Regulations last checked for updates: Oct 17, 2024

Title 17 - Commodity and Securities Exchanges last revised: Oct 08, 2024
§ 146.1 - Purpose and scope.

(a) This part contains the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission implementing the Privacy Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-579, 5 U.S.C. 552a). These rules apply to all records maintained by this Commission which are not excepted or exempted as set forth in § 146.12, insofar as they contain personal information concerning an individual, identify that individual by name or other symbol and are contained in a system of records from which information is retrieved by the individual's name or identifying symbol. Among the primary purposes of these rules are to permit individuals to determine whether information about them is contained in Commission files and, if so, to obtain access to that information; to establish procedures whereby individuals may have inaccurate and incomplete information corrected; and, to restrict access by unauthorized persons to that information.

(b) In this part the Commission is also exempting certain Commission systems of records from some of the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 that would otherwise be applicable to those systems. These exemptions are authorized under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(k).

§ 146.2 - Definitions.

For purposes of this part 146:

(a) The term Commission means the Commodity Futures Trading Commission;

(b) The term Executive Director refers to the executive level staff official appointed pursuant to section 2(a)(5) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

(c) The term FOIA compliance staff refers to the Freedom of Information Act compliance staff assigned to respond to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act;

(d) The term individual means a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence;

(e) The term maintain includes maintain, collect, use, or disseminate;

(f) The term record means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by the Commission, including but not limited to, his education, financial transactions, and criminal or employment history and that contains his name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual;

(g) The term system of records means a group of any records under the control of the Commission from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual;

(h) The term system notice means a notice of the existence and character of the Commission's system of records published in the Federal Register pursuant to § 146.11(a) of these rules;

(i) The term routine use means, with respect to the disclosure of a record, the use of that record for a purpose which is compatible with the purpose for which it was collected;

(j) The term Freedom of Information Act encompasses both the Freedom of Information Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552,and.

(k) The term agency means any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation or other establishment in the Executive branch of the Government or any independent regulatory agency.

[41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 45 FR 26954, Apr. 22, 1980; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.3 - Requests by an individual for information or access.

(a) Any individual may request information on whether a system of records maintained by the Commission contains any information pertaining to him, or may request access to his record or to any information pertaining to them which is contained in a system of records. All requests shall be directed to the FOIA compliance staff in the Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters and clearly marked “Privacy Act request.”

(b) A request for information or for access to records under this part may be made by mail or in person. The request shall:

(1) Be in writing and signed by the individual making the request;

(2) Include the full name (including the middle name) of the individual seeking the information or record, his home address and telephone number, his business address and telephone number; and

(3) If he is or ever has been registered with the Commission or its predecessor agency, or associated with a firm so registered as a partner, officer or director or 10% shareholder, state in what capacity he is or was registered.

(c) For each system of records from which information is sought, the request shall:

(1) Specify the title and identifying number for that system as it appears in the system notice published by the Commission;

(2) Provide additional identifying information, if any, specified in the system notice;

(3) Describe the specific information or kind of information sought within that system of records; and

(4) Set forth any special arrangements sought concerning the time, place, or form of access. A description of the information contained in a system notice and instructions on how to obtain copies of the Commission's system notices appear in § 146.11(b).

(d) The Commission will respond in writing to a request made under this section within ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal public holidays) after receipt of the request. If a definitive reply cannot be given within ten days, the request will be acknowledged and an explanation will be given of the status of the request.

(e) When an individual has requested access to records, available to him under these rules, he will either be notified in writing of where and when he may obtain access to the records requested or be given the name, address and telephone number of the member of the Commission staff with whom he should communicate to make further arrangements for access.

[41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28260, July 9, 1976; 60 FR 49335, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.4 - Procedures for identifying the individual making the request.

When a request for information or for access to records has been made pursuant to § 146.3, before information is given or access is granted pursuant to § 146.5 of these rules the Commission shall require reasonable identification of the person making the request to insure that information is given and records are disclosed only to the proper person.

(a) An individual may establish his identity by:

(1) Submitting with his request for information or for access a photocopy of two pieces of identification bearing his name and signature, one of which shall bear his current home or business address; or

(2) Appearing at any office of the Commission (located at the addresses set forth in § 145.6 of these rules) during the regular working hours for that office and presenting either:

(i) One piece of identification containing a photograph and signature, such as a drivers license or passport or

(ii) Two pieces of identification bearing his name and signature, one of which shall bear his current home or business address; or

(3) Providing such other proof of identity as the Commission deems satisfactory in the circumstances of a particular request.

(b) If the General Counsel or other designated Commission official determines that the data in a requested record is so sensitive that unauthorized access could cause harm or embarrassment to the person whose 71818, produce satisfactory evidence of identity under paragraph (a) of this section, the individual making the request may be required to submit a notarized statement attesting to their identity and that they are familiar with and understand the criminal penalties provided under section 1001 of title 18 of the U.S. Code for making false statements to a Government agency and under the Privacy Act, section 552a(i)(3) of title 5 of the U.S. Code, for obtaining records under false pretenses. Copies of these statutory provisions and forms for such notarized statements may be attained upon request from the FOIA compliance staff in the Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters and clearly marked “Privacy Act request.

(c) The parent or guardian of a minor or a person judicially determined to be incompetent, in addition to establishing the identity of the person he represents as described in the previous paragraphs of this section, shall establish his own identity and his parentage or guardianship by furnishing a copy of a birth certificate showing parentage or a court order establishing the guardianship.

(d) Nothing in this section shall preclude the Commission from requiring additional identification before granting access to the records if there is reason to believe that the person making the request may not be the individual to whom the record pertains, or where the sensitivity of the data warrants it.

(e) The requirements of this section shall not apply if the records involved would be available to any person pursuant to the Commission's rules under the Freedom of Information Act as set forth in part 145 of this chapter.

[41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28260, July 9, 1976; 60 FR 49335, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024
§ 146.5 - Disclosure of requested information to individuals; fee for copies of records.

(a) Any individual who has requested access to his record or to any information pertaining to him in the manner prescribed in § 146.3, and has identified himself as prescribed in § 146.4, shall be permitted to review the record and have a copy made of all or any portion thereof in a form comprehensible to him, subject to fees for copying services set forth in appendix A to this part. Upon his request persons of his own choosing may accompany him, but the individual shall first furnish a written statement authorizing discussion of that individual's record in the accompany persons' presence.

(b) Access will generally be granted in the office of the Commission where the records are maintained during normal business hours, but for good cause shown the Commission may grant access at another office of the Commission or at different times for the convenience of the individual making the request.

(c) Where a document containing information about an individual also contains information not pertaining to him, the portion not pertaining to the individual shall not be disclosed to him except to the extent the information is available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. If the records sought cannot be provided for review and copying in a meaningful form, the Commission shall provide to the individual a report of the information concerning the individual contained in the record or records which shall be complete and accurate in all material aspects.

(d) Where the disclosure involves medical records, the records may be provided only to a physician designated in writing by the individual.

(e) Requests for copies of documents may be directed to the FOIA compliance staffr to the member of the Commission's staff through whom arrangements for access were made.

(f) Fees for copies of records shall be charged as set forth in the schedule of fees contained in appendix A to this part. Copies of the schedule may be obtained upon request from the FOIA compliance staff in the Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters and clearly marked “Privacy Act request”. . Payment should be made by check or money order payable to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Advance payment of all or part of the fee may be required at the discretion of the Commission, but generally this will not be required for requests where the anticipated fee is less than $25.

(g) Nothing in this section or in § 146.3 shall:

(1) Require the disclosure of investigative records exempted under § 146.12 of these rules;

(2) Allow an individual access to any information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action, administrative proceeding or a criminal proceeding;

(3) Require the furnishing of information or records which cannot be retrieved by the name or other identifier of the individual making the request.

[41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28261, July 9, 1976; 45 FR 26954, Apr. 22, 1980; 60 FR 49335, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.6 - Disclosure to third parties.

(a) All requests for non-public records shall be made in writing and shall be addressed or otherwise directed to the Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters, Attn: FOIA Request, or electronically via [email protected]. Requests for public records directed to a regional office of the Commission pursuant to § 145.2 should be sent to the Eastern Regional Office, Central Regional Office, or Southwestern Regional Office, as applicable.

(a) The Commission shall not disclose to any agency or to any person by any means of communication a record pertaining to an individual which is contained in a system of records, except under the following circumstances:

(1) The individual to whom the record pertains has given his written consent to the disclosure;

(2) The disclosure is to officers and employees of the Commission who need it in the performance of their duties;

(3) Disclosure is required under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);

(4) Disclosure is for a routine use as defined in § 146.2(i) and described in the system notice for that system of records;

(5) The disclosure is made to the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity;

(6) The disclosure is made to a recipient who has provided the agency with advance adequate written assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;

(7) The disclosure is made to another agency or to an instrumentality of any Governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law and if the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a written request to the Commission specifying the particular portion desired and the law enforcement activity for which the record is sought;

(8) The disclosure is made to a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual if upon such disclosure notification is transmitted to the last known address of such individual;

(9) The disclosure is made to either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or subcommittee of any such joint committee;

(10) The disclosure is made to the Comptroller General, or any of his authorized representatives, in the course of the performance of the duties of the General Accounting Office; or

(11) The disclosure is pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(12) The disclosure is made, upon request, to a department or agency of any state or political subdivision thereof acting within the scope of its jurisdiction as permitted by section 8(e) of the Act and subject to the limitations of further dissemination as contained in section 8(e). Information disclosed pursuant to this paragraph may also include registration information maintained by the Commission on any registrant as authorized to be disclosed by section 8(g) of the Act. Registration information may be furnished to a department or agency of any state or political subdivision thereof upon reasonable request made by the department or agency or without request whenever the Commission or an employee designated by § 140.75 of this chapter determines that such information may be appropriate for use by the department or agency.

(13) The disclosure is made, upon request, to a department or agency of any foreign government or any political subdivision thereof, acting within the scope of its jurisdiction, provided that, prior to disclosure, the Commission or an employee delegated authority by § 140.73 of this chapter to disclose information pursuant to section 8(e) of the Act is satisfied that the information will not be disclosed by such department or agency except in connection with an adjudicatory action or proceeding brought under the laws of such foreign government or political subdivision to which such foreign government or political subdivision or any department or agency thereof is a party.

(b) The Commission will make reasonable efforts to serve notice on an individual when any record on such individual is made available to any person under compulsory legal process when such process becomes a matter of public record. In any instance where a record on an individual, which has been submitted to the Commission by such individual, is sought pursuant to a summons or subpoena, notice will be given in accordance with the provisions of section 8(f) of the Commodity Exchange Act, and § 140.80 of this chapter, at least fourteen days prior to disclosure. Notice will not, however, be given with regard to any information as to which the submitter has waived the notice requirements of § 140.80.

(c) The Commission, with respect to each system of records under its control, shall keep an accurate accounting of certain disclosures.

(1) A record shall be kept of all disclosures made under paragraph (a) of § 146.6, except disclosures made with the consent of the individual to whom the record pertains (paragraph (a)(1) of this section), disclosures to authorized employees (paragraph (a)(2) of this section) and disclosures required under the Freedom of Information Act (paragraph (a)(3) of this section).

(2) The record shall include:

(i) The date, nature, and purpose of each disclosure of a record made to any person or to another agency;

(ii) The name and address of the person or agency to whom the disclosure was made.

(3) The accounting will be retained for at least five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which the accounting is made.

(d) The accounting described in paragraph (c) of this section will be made available to the individual named in the record upon his written request, directed to the FOIA compliance staff in the Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters, except that the accounting will not be revealed with respect to disclosures made under paragraph (a)(7) of this section pertaining to law enforcement activity, and to disclosures involving systems of investigative records exempted under § 146.12 of these rules.

(e) Whenever an amendment or correction of a record or a notation of dispute concerning the accuracy of records is made by the Commission in accordance with §§ 146.8 and 146.9 of these rules, the Commission will inform any person or other agency to whom the record was previously disclosed, if an accounting of the disclosure was made pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

(Secs. 2(a)(11), 8 and 8a of the Commodity Exchange Act, 7 U.S.C. 4a(j), 12 and 12a, as amended by Pub. L. 97-444) [41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28261, July 9, 1976; 48 FR 22136, May 17, 1983; 49 FR 4465, Feb. 7, 1984; 60 FR 49335, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.7 - Content of systems of records.

(a) The Commission will maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act and other purposes required to be accomplished by statute or by executive order of the President.

(b) The Commission will maintain no record describing how any individual exercises rights guaranteed by the First Amendment unless expressly authorized by statute or by the individual about whom the record is maintained or unless pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity.

(c) The Commission will collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject individual when the information may result in adverse determinations about an individual's rights, benefits, and privileges under Federal programs.

(d) The Commission will maintain all records which are used by the Commission in making any determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in the determination.

§ 146.8 - Amendment of a record.

(a) Any individual may request amendment of information pertaining to them which is contained in a system of records maintained by the Commission and which is filed under their name or other individual identifier if they believe the information is not accurate, relevant, timely or complete. A request for amendment shall be directed to the FOIA compliance staff at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters.

(b) A request for amendment may be made by mail or in person and shall: (1) Be in writing and signed by the person making the request; (2) describe the particular record to be amended with sufficient specificity to permit the record to be located among those maintained by the Commission; and (3) specify the nature of the amendment sought and the justification for the requested change. The person making the request may be required to provide the information specified in §§ 146.3 and 146.4 of these rules in order to simplify identification of the record and permit verification of the identity of the person making the request for amendment.

(c) Receipt of a request for amendment will be acknowledged in writing within ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) except that, if the individual is given notice within the ten day period that his request will or will not be complied with, no acknowledgement is required.

(d) Assistance in preparing a request to amend a record may be obtained from the Chief Privacy Officer at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters.

(e) Upon receipt of a request for amendment the General Council of the Commission or a person designated by the Executive Director shall promptly determine whether the record is materially inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or is irrelevant or not timely, as claimed by the individual, and, if so, shall cause the record to be amended in accordance with the individual's request.

(f) If the General Council or designee grants the request to amend the record, the individual shall promptly be advised of the decision and of the action taken, and notice shall be given of the correction and its substance to each person or agency to whom the record had previously been disclosed, as shown on the record of disclosures maintained in accordance with § 146.6(c).

(g) If the General Council or designee disagrees in whole or in part with a request for amendment of a record, the individual shall promptly be notified of the complete or partial denial of his request and the reasons for the refusal. The individual shall also be notified of the procedures for administrative review by the Commission of any complete or partial denial of a request for amendment, which are set forth in § 146.9.

(h) If a request is received for amendment of a record prepared by another agency which is in the possession or control of the Commission, the request for amendment will be forwarded to that agency. If that agency determines that the correction should be made, the Commission will amend its records accordingly and notify the individual making the request for amendment of the change. If the other agency declines to make the amendment, the General Coouncil or designee will independently determine whether the amendment will be made to the record in the Commission's possession or control, considering any explanation given by the other agency for its decision.

[41 FR 3211, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28261, July 9, 1976; 60 FR 49335, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.9 - Appeals to the Commission.

(a) Any individual may petition the Commission:

(1) To review a refusal to comply with an individual request for access to records pursuant to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), and §§ 146.3 and 146.5 of the rules in this part;

(2) To review denial of a request for amendment made pursuant to § 146.8;

(3) To correct any determination that may have been made adverse to the individual based in whole or in part upon inaccurate, irrelevant, untimely or incomplete information;

(4) To correct a failure to comply with any other provision of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a,and,which.

(b) The petition to the Commission shall be in writing and shall (1) state in what manner it is claimed the Commission or any Commission employee has failed or refused to comply with provisions of the Privacy Act or of the rules contained in this part 146, and (2) set forth the corrective action the petitioner wishes the Commission to take. The petitioner may, if he wishes, state such facts and cite such legal or other authorities as he considers appropriate.

(c) The petition shall be directed to the General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters.

(d) The Commission will make a determination of any petition filed pursuant to this § 146.9 within thirty days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal public holidays) after receipt by the FOI, Privacy and Sunshine Acts compliance staff, Office of the Secretariat of the petition, unless for good cause shown, the Commission extends the 30-day period. If a petition is denied, the Commission will notify the petitioner in writing and state the reasons therefor.

(e) Where the petition is made for review of a denial of a request for amendment made pursuant to § 146.8, the following additional procedures shall apply:

(1) If upon review the Commission grants the petition to amend the record, notice of the correction and its substance shall be given to each person or agency to whom the record had previously been disclosed, as shown on the record of disclosures maintained in accordance with § 146.6(c) of these rules.

(2) If upon review the initial denial of the request for amendment is upheld in whole or in part, the individual shall be notified of the provisions for judicial review of that determination which are set forth in section 552a(g)(1)(A) and (2)(A), of title 5 of the U.S. Code and the provisions for disputed records set forth in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.

(3) If after review the Commission has declined to amend the records as the individual has requested, the individual may file with the FOI, Privacy and Sunshine Acts compliance staff, Office of the Secretariat a concise statement setting forth why he disagrees with the Commission's denial of his request. Any subsequent disclosure containing information about which a statement of disagreement has been filed shall clearly note the portion which is disputed, and include a copy of the individual's statement. The Commission may also include a copy of a concise statement explaining its reasons for not making the amendments requested.

(f) The General Counsel or his or her designee is hereby delegated the authority to act for the Commission in deciding appeals under this section. The General Counsel may, in his or her sole and unfettered discretion, refer such appeals to the Commission for decision.

[41 FR 3211, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28261, July 9, 1976; 45 FR 26954, Apr. 22, 1980; 51 FR 26874, July 28, 1986; 60 FR 49336, Sept. 25, 1995; 89 FR 71818, Sept. 4, 2024]
§ 146.10 - Information supplied by the Commission when collecting information from an individual.

The Commission will inform each individual whom it asks to supply information, on the form which it uses to collect the information or on a separate form that can be retained by the individual of:

(a) The authority (whether granted by statute, or by executive order of the President) which authorizes the solicitation of the information and whether disclosure of such information is mandatory or voluntary;

(b) The principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended to be used;

(c) The routine uses which may be made of the information, as published in the Federal Register; and

(d) The effects on him, if any, of not providing all or any part of the requested information.

§ 146.11 - Public notice of records systems.

(a) The Commission will publish in the Federal Register at least biennially a notice of the existence and character of each of its systems of records, which notice shall include—

(1) The name and location of the system;

(2) The categories of individuals on whom records are maintained in the system;

(3) The categories of records maintained in the system;

(4) Each routine use of the records contained in the system, including the categories of users and the purpose of such use;

(5) The policies and practices of the Commission regarding storage, retrievability, access controls, retention, and disposal of the records;

(6) The title and business address of the Commission official who is responsible for the system of records;

(7) The procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request if the system of records contains a record pertaining to him;

(8) The procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request how he can gain access to any record pertaining to him contained in the system of records, and how he can contest its contents; and

(9) The categories of sources of records in the system.

(b) Copies of the notices as printed in the Federal Register will be available in each office of the Commission. Locations of Commission offices are listed in § 145.6. Mail requests shall be directed to the FOI, Privacy and Sunshine Acts compliance staff, Office of the Secretariat, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. The first copy will be furnished free of charge. A charge will be made for each additional copy.

[41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 28261, July 9, 1976; 45 FR 26955, Apr. 22, 1980; 60 FR 49336, Sept. 25, 1995; 65 FR 53560, Sept. 5, 2000]
§ 146.12 - Exemptions.

The Commission is exempting from certain provisions of the Privacy Act the systems of records set forth in this section. In addition, when these systems of records and any other of the Commission's systems of records maintain a record received from another system of records that is exempted from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act, the Commission will claim the same exemptions for that record that are claimed for the system of records from which it originated.

(a) CFTC-1 Enforcement Matter Register and Matter Indices. The system of records identified as CFTC-1 Enforcement Matter Register and Matter Indices contains an index and registry of enforcement investigations. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act and CFTC's rules promulgated thereunder are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of investigations into potential violations of law, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective law enforcement requires the retention of all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity and providing investigative leads.

(4) From section (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(b) CFTC-10 Investigatory Records. The system of records identified as CFTC-10 Investigatory Records contains records compiled for law enforcement purposes, including records developed during an investigation of violations or potential violations of the CEA. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act and CFTC's rules promulgated thereunder are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of investigations into potential violations of law, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective law enforcement requires the retention of all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity and providing investigative leads.

(4) From sections (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(c) CFTC-12 National Futures Association (NFA) Applications Suite System. The system of records identified as CFTC-12 National Futures Association (NFA) Applications Suite System contains records held by NFA on behalf of the Commission, by delegated authority to support the Commission's registration and other regulatory authority. These records include records pertaining to the fitness of individuals to be registered with the Commission and engage in business activities that are subject to the Commission's jurisdiction and records pertaining to disciplinary or other adverse action investigated or taken with respect to individual registrants. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of accountings of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of investigations into potential violations of law, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective law enforcement requires the retention of all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity and providing investigative leads.

(4) From sections (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(d) CFTC-31 Closed Commission Meetings. The system of records identified as CFTC-31 Closed Commission Meetings contains records about individuals who are the subject of discussion at closed Commission meetings, including those who are the subject of investigations or who are being considered for employment. These records may include statements from individuals who have provided information in the course of an applicant's or employee's background investigation or other Commission investigation and who have requested that their identities remain confidential. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and (5) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of investigations into potential violations of law, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective law enforcement requires the retention of all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity and providing investigative leads.

(4) From section (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(e) CFTC-32, Office of the Inspector General Investigative Files. The system of records identified as CFTC-32 Office of the Inspector General Investigative Files contains records relevant to criminal and civil investigations conducted by the Office of the Inspector General, including records about individuals being investigated for fraudulent and abusive activities. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3) and (4); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1) through (3), (e)(4)(G) through (I), and (e)(5) and (8); (f); and (g), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.4; 146.5; 146.6(b), (d), and (e); 146.7(a), (c), and (d); 146.8; 146.9; 146.10; and 146.11(a)(7) through (9). In addition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From section (c)(4) (Notice of Correction), because this system is exempt from the access and amendment provisions of section (d), as noted below.

(3) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(4) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information) and (5) (Accuracy, Timeliness, Relevance, and Completeness), because in the course of investigations into potential violations of law, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective law enforcement requires the retention of all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity and providing investigative leads.

(5) From section (e)(2) (Collect from Individual), because in a law enforcement investigation the requirement that information be collected to the greatest extent possible from the subject individual would present a serious impediment to law enforcement, in that the subject of the investigation would be informed of the existence of the investigation and would therefore be able to avoid detection, apprehension, or legal obligations or duties.

(6) From section (e)(3) (Privacy Act Statement), because to comply with the requirements of this section during the course of an investigation could impede the information gathering process and hamper the investigation.

(7) From sections (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(8) From section (e)(8) (Serve Notice), because the application of this provision could prematurely reveal an ongoing criminal investigation to the subject of the investigation, present a serious impediment to law enforcement by interfering with the ability to issue subpoenas or otherwise gather information, and reveal investigative techniques, procedures, or evidence.

(9) From section (g) (Civil Remedies), because this system of records is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act for the reasons stated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section; therefore, the Commission is not subject to civil action for failure to adhere to those requirements.

(f) CFTC-44 Personnel Clearance System. The system of records identified as CFTC-44 Personnel Clearance System contains records related to the background investigations and security clearances of individuals who have been or are being considered for access to Commission facilities, information technology systems, and classified or confidential information. These records may include statements from individuals who have provided information in the course of a background investigation and have requested that their identity remain confidential. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and (5) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a)(7) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From sections (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the extent of that investigation and reveal investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity that were previously unknown to the individual. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to adequately assess an individual when making a decision about the individual's access to Commission facilities, information technology systems, and classified and confidential information.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because the records contained in this system may be related to ongoing investigations, and individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the extent of that investigation and reveal investigative interests of the Commission and others that were previously unknown to the individual. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. In addition, providing an individual with access to these records may reveal the identity of a source who furnished information under an express promise that their identity would remain confidential. Amendment of the records in this system of records would interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of conducting and adjudicating background investigations, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective investigations require the retention of all information that may aid in the investigation and provide investigative leads.

(4) From sections (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

(g) CFTC-49 Whistleblower Records. The system of records identified as CFTC-49 Whistleblower Records contains records related to whistleblower tips, complaints and referrals, records related to investigations and inquiries into whistleblower complaints, and records related to the whistleblower award claim and determination process. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) and subject to the requirements and limitations set forth therein, the Commission is exempting this system of records from the following provisions of the Privacy Act: 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d)(1) through (4); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G) through (I); and (f), and from the following corresponding sections of these rules: §§ 146.3; 146.5; 146.6(d); 146.11(a) through (9); and 146.7(a). Exemptions from these particular sections of the Privacy Act are justified for the following reasons:

(1) From section (c)(3) (Accounting of Certain Disclosures), because release of the accounting of certain disclosures could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and the recipient entity. Release of such information to the subject of an investigation could reasonably be anticipated to impede and interfere with the Commission's efforts to identify and investigate unlawful activities.

(2) From sections (d)(1) through (4) (Access and Amendment), because individual access to these records could alert the subject of an investigation to the existence and extent of that investigation and reveal the investigative interests of the Commission and others. Providing a subject with access to these records could impair the effectiveness of the Commission's investigations and could significantly impede the investigation by providing the opportunity for the subject to destroy documentary evidence, improperly influence witnesses and confidential sources, fabricate testimony, and engage in other activities that could compromise the investigation. Allowing the subject of the investigation to amend records in this system of records could likewise interfere with ongoing law enforcement proceedings and impose an impossible administrative burden by requiring law enforcement investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

(3) From section (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of Information), because in the course of investigations, the significance of certain information may not be clear or the information may not be strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation; but, effective investigations require the retention of all information that may aid in the investigation or aid in establishing patterns of activity and provide investigative leads. (4) From sections (e)(4)(G) through (I) (Agency Requirements) and (f) (Agency Rules), because the Commission is not required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures related to access and amendment of records in a system of records that is exempt from the individual access and amendment provisions in section (d) of the Privacy Act.

[89 FR 51212, June 17, 2024]
Appendix Appendix A - Appendix A to Part 146—Fees for Copies of Records Requested Under the Privacy Act of 1974

a. The following schedule of fees shall apply to copies of records requested pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a and § 146.5(f).

(1) For requests for copies of documents, the charge will be 15 cents per page.

(2) For materials other than paper records, including computer and cassette tapes, the direct cost of the materials and, if required, time spent by clerical personnel copying the materials shall be charged. Persons making the request shall be notified of the amount of the charge and shall give specific approval before the request is processed.

(3) For certifying that requested records are true copies, the fee will be $3.00 per certification in addition to other fees, if any.

(4) Upon request, records will be mailed by means of an overnight/express service at the fee of $10.00 per unit mailed.

(5) The Commission may, upon application by the individual, furnish any records without charge or at a reduced rate, if it determines that such wavier or reduction of fee is in the public interest.

b. Requests for copies of documents shall be addressed to FOI, Privacy and Sunshine Acts compliance staff, Office of Secretariat, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581.

c. Payment should be made by check or money order payable to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

d. Advance payment of all or part of the fee may be required at the discretion of the Commission. Generally, advance payment will not be required where the anticipated fee is less than $25.

(7 U.S.C. 4a(j) and 16a as amended by Pub. L. 97-444, 96 Stat. 2294 (1983) and 5 U.S.C. 552. 662a and 552b) [41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, as amended at 45 FR 26955, Apr. 22, 1980; 48 FR 46011, Oct. 11, 1983; 48 FR 55280, Dec. 12, 1983; 49 FR 12684, Mar. 30, 1984; 60 FR 49336, Sept. 25, 1995]
authority: 88 Stat. 1896 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended; 88 Stat. 1389 (7 U.S.C. 4a(j))
source: 41 FR 3212, Jan. 21, 1976, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 17 CFR 146.11