Samuel Lucas L_ Baker
What is the role of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in forex regulation?
The CFTC regulates futures, options, and retail forex in the U.S. Its mission is to ensure transparency, protect traders, and prevent fraud. Forex brokers offering services to U.S. clients must register with the CFTC and be members of the National Futures Association (NFA). Benefits: oversight ensures client funds are segregated and brokers meet strict capital adequacy. Risks: high compliance costs reduce the number of brokers serving U.S. clients, limiting choice. For traders, CFTC oversight is a hallmark of credibility. It signals that the broker is subject to rigorous audits, reporting, and enforcement actions. Retail traders outside the U.S. can also learn from CFTC guidelines, as they represent some of the strictest global standards.