# CFTC Clarifies DCM Access Requirements

On November 5, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued an interpretation of 17 CFR 38.151(b) addressing domestic geographic restrictions on access to designated contract markets (DCMs). Within 30 days of that date—by December 5, 2026—DCMs must end noncompliant restrictions and ensure intermediaries are not impeding impartial access; if either action is infeasible, they must explain why to the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight. This is a financial-markets compliance action, not a federal procurement requirement or contract opportunity.

- Companies that operate or support DCMs should assess whether geographic access restrictions or intermediary practices could conflict with the interpretation and, where action is infeasible, prepare an explanation for the Division of Market Oversight by the stated timeframe.
- Government procurement professionals should not treat the interpretation as a new solicitation or a contractor-wide mandate; its direct obligations apply to DCMs.
- For contractors serving DCMs, the interpretation may be relevant when evaluating the access-related services or systems they provide to those markets.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- Division of Market Oversight

### Sources
- [CFTC Issues Impartial Access Requirements Interpretation | CFTC](https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9323-26) - CFTC