Requirements to become a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) or a Commodity Pool Operator (CPO)

There are several requirements in order to register as a Commodity Pool Operator (CPO) or Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) with the National Futures Association (NFA).

A person wishing to become a CTA is exempt from registration if they have provided advice to 15 or fewer persons during the past 12 months and have not generally held themselves out to the public as a CTA. They are also exempt if they are one of a number of businesses or professions listed in the Commodity Exchange Act or are registered in another capacity and their advice is solely incidental to their principal business or profession.

If not exempt, CTA is required to file a completed Form 7-R, Form 8-R, and a fingerprint card. A fee of $85 for each individual principal is also required. In addition, a futures branch office manager examination (Series 30) is required to be completed along with a non-refundable registration fee of $200.

A person wishing to become registered as a CPO must undergo the same paperwork as a person registering as a CTA, unless previously registered with the NFA.

Education Center

© Copyright 2007-2010 CTAFinder. All Rights Reserved.

Website design and hosting by Power Pages Web Services

Risk Disclosure:
There is a risk of loss in futures and options trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This information is not to be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation or an offer to buy the commodities herein named. The factual information of this report has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not necessarily all-inclusive and is not guaranteed as to the accuracy, and is not to be construed as representation by CTAFinder. The risk of trading futures and options can be substantial. Each investor must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

For Managed Futures:
CTAFinder is legally obliged to inform investors of a potential conflict of interest in recommending CTAs because CTAFinder is compensated through fees or commissions by CTAs. This material and any views expressed herein are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed in any way as an endorsement or inducement to invest in any specific program. Before investing in any program, you must obtain, read and thoroughly examine its disclosure document or offering memorandum. Any performance included herein is based upon information that has been compiled by CTAFinder from CTA disclosure documents and by third-party independent CTA tracking services such as Managed Research, AutumnGold, Barclay Group, Ltd., and Institutional Advisory Services Group. All sources we use are free to the public. Such information has not been independently reviewed or audited by CTAFinder or its affiliates and therefore neither CTAFinder nor its affiliates make any representation as to its accuracy or completeness. Readers are solely responsible for how they use the information and for their results.

For New Account Applications:
Account documents are not an offer of solicitation for the purchase or sale of any Commodity. Before trading one should be aware that with potential profits there is also potential for losses that may be very large. Futures investing involves risk and is not suitable for everyone. Those acting on this information are responsible for their own actions.