Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. et al. – s. 144 of the OSA and ss. 38, 78 of the CFA

Headnote

Section 144 of the Securities Act (Ontario) (OSA) and sections 38 and 78 of the Commodity Futures Act (Ontario) (CFA) -- variation of an order exempting Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc., Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc., Commodity Exchange Inc., and New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (collectively, CMEG Exchanges) from the requirement to be registered as commodity futures exchanges under section 15 of the CFA and recognized as exchanges under section 21 of the OSA -- extension of exemption from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA with respect to trades in Contracts listed on the CMEG Exchanges by banks listed in Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada) entering orders as principal and only for their own accounts.

Applicable Legislative Provisions

Securities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.5 as am., ss. 21, 144.

Commodity Futures Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.20 as am., ss. 15, 22, 38, 78.

IN THE MATTER OF THE SECURITIES ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER S.5, AS AMENDED (THE OSA) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER C.20, AS AMENDED (THE CFA) AND IN THE MATTER OF CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE INC., BOARD OF TRADE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, INC., COMMODITY EXCHANGE, INC., AND NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE, INC.

ORDER
(Section 144 of the OSA and sections 38 and 78 of the CFA)

WHEREAS the Ontario Securities Commission (Commission) issued an order dated October 22, 2013 (Exemption Order) exempting Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME), Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. (CBOT), Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) and New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) (together, the CMEG Exchanges, and each individually, a CMEG Exchange) from the requirement to be recognized as an exchange under subsection 21(1) of the OSA and the requirement to be registered as a commodity futures exchange under subsection 15(1) of the CFA (Exchange Relief);

AND WHEREAS the Exemption Order also exempts trades in CMEG Contracts (as defined below) by a "hedger" as defined in subsection 1(1) of the CFA (Hedger) from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Hedger Relief);

AND WHEREAS the Commission issued a variation order dated April 6, 2018 (April 2018 Variation Order) under section 144 of the OSA and under section 78 of the CFA to vary and restate the Exemption Order and,

(a) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, to grant an order exempting trades in CMEG Contracts by a bank listed in Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada) (Bank) entering orders as principal and only for its own account from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Bank Relief); and

(b) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, to grant an order exempting trades in CMEG Contracts by an Ontario User (as defined in the Exemption Order) that is not a dealer, a Hedger or a Bank, but has obtained an exemption from the requirement to be registered under the CFA from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Participant Relief and, together with the Hedger Relief and the Bank Relief, Registration Relief);

AND WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, the Commission varied the April 2018 Variation Order as part of a broader order to streamline the regulatory reporting requirements applicable to foreign commodity futures exchanges, multilateral trading facilities and swap execution facilities carrying on business in Ontario and reduce regulatory burden (March 2021 Variation Order);

AND WHEREAS the CMEG Exchanges have filed an application under section 144 of the OSA and under section 78 of the CFA requesting that the Commission issue an order further varying the April 2018 Variation Order, as varied by the March 2021 Variation Order (Revised Exemption Order), to extend the term of the Revised Variation Order indefinitely;

AND WHEREAS, based on the application and the representations made to the Commission by the CMEG Exchanges, the Commission has determined that it is not prejudicial to the public interest to vary the Revised Exemption Order on the basis requested;

IT IS ORDERED, pursuant to section 144 of the OSA and section 78 of the CFA, that the Revised Exemption Order is varied and restated as follows:

IN THE MATTER OF THE SECURITIES ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER S.5, AS AMENDED (THE OSA) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER C.20, AS AMENDED (THE CFA) AND IN THE MATTER OF CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE INC., BOARD OF TRADE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, INC., COMMODITY EXCHANGE, INC. AND NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE, INC.

ORDER
(Section 147 of the OSA and sections 38 and 80 of the CFA)

WHEREAS the Ontario Securities Commission (Commission) issued an order dated October 22, 2013 (Exemption Order) exempting Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME), Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. (CBOT), Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) and New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) (together, the CMEG Exchanges, and each individually, a CMEG Exchange) from the requirement to be recognized as an exchange under subsection 21(1) of the OSA and the requirement to be registered as a commodity futures exchange under subsection 15(1) of the CFA (Exchange Relief);

AND WHEREAS the Exemption Order also exempts trades in CMEG Contracts (as defined below) by a "hedger" as defined in subsection 1(1) of the CFA (Hedger) from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Hedger Relief);

AND WHEREAS the Commission issued a variation order dated April 6, 2018 (Variation Order) under section 144 of the OSA and under section 78 of the CFA to vary and restate the Exemption Order and,

(a) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, to grant an order exempting trades in CMEG Contracts by a bank listed in Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada) (Bank) entering orders as principal and only for its own account from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Bank Relief); and

(b) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, to grant an order exempting trades in CMEG Contracts by an Ontario User (as defined in the Exemption Order) that is not a dealer, a Hedger or a Bank, but has obtained an exemption from the requirement to be registered under the CFA from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA (Participant Relief and, together with the Hedger Relief and the Bank Relief, Registration Relief);

AND WHEREAS the CMEG Exchanges have filed an application under section 144 of the OSA and under section 78 of the CFA requesting that the Commission issue an order varying the Exemption Order as varied by the Variation Order (Revised Exemption Order) to further extend the term of the Revised Variation Order indefinitely;

AND WHEREAS OSC Rule 91-503 Trades in Commodity Futures Contracts and Commodity Futures Options Entered into on Commodity Futures Exchanges Situate Outside of Ontario (Rule 91-503) exempts trades of commodity futures contracts or commodity futures options made on commodity futures exchanges not registered with or recognized by the Commission under the CFA from sections 25 and 53 of the OSA;

AND WHEREAS the deemed rule titled In the Matter of Trading in Commodity Futures Contracts and Commodity Futures Options Entered into on Commodity Futures Exchanges in the United States of America provides that section 33 of the CFA does not apply to trades entered into a commodity futures exchanges designated by the United States (U.S.) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act (CEA);

AND WHEREAS the CMEG Exchanges have not requested as part of the Application that the Exchange Relief apply to the operation of any trading system or platform that is a "swap execution facility" as defined in section 1a of the CEA, or to the provision of access to any such trading system or platform to prospective participants in Ontario;

AND WHEREAS the CMEG Exchanges have represented to the Commission that:

1.1 Each of CME, CBOT and NYMEX is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in the U.S. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CME Group Inc. (CMEG), a publicly traded for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Delaware and listed for trading on the NASDAQ National Market. COMEX is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York in the U.S. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMEG. CMEG is the ultimate parent company of each of the CMEG Exchanges;

1.2 The CMEG Exchanges receive a majority of their revenue from clearing and transaction fees, which include electronic trading fees, surcharges for privately-negotiated transactions and other volume-related charges for contracts executed through the CMEG Exchanges' trading venues;

1.3 CMEG, as the holding company for each of the CMEG Exchanges, has no operations of its own, does not have employees, relies upon the dividends declared and paid by its subsidiaries and has limited contractual arrangements. CME is the primary employer within the CMEG organization, with approximately 2,100 employees out of approximately 3,400 employees;

1.4 Each of CME, CBOT, COMEX and NYMEX is a designated contract market (DCM) within the meaning of that term under the CEA. The CMEG Exchanges are subject to regulatory supervision by the CFTC, a U.S. federal regulatory agency. The CMEG Exchanges are subject to the CEA and regulation by the CFTC, including applicable recordkeeping and production requirements. The CMEG Exchanges provide the CFTC with access to records falling under such recordkeeping or production requirements unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, regulation or order or where such records are subject to solicitor-client privilege. The CFTC reviews, assesses and enforces the CMEG Exchanges' adherence to the CEA and the regulations thereunder on an ongoing basis, including the DCM core principles (DCM Core Principles) relating to the operation and oversight of the CMEG Exchanges' markets, including financial resources, systems and controls, maintenance of an orderly market, execution and settlement of transactions, rule-making and investor protection;

1.5 CME is also regulated as a derivatives clearing organization (DCO) by the CFTC, which results in CME being subject to extensive regulation by the CFTC under its principles-based approach and requires CME to satisfy the requirements of the DCO core principles relating to CME's activities as a DCO. The CFTC has further designated CME's clearing house as a Systemically Important Derivatives Clearing Organization (SIDCO), subjecting it to heightened regulation;

1.6 The CFTC's Division of Market Oversight conducts regular in-depth reviews of each DCM's ongoing compliance with the CEA and CFTC regulations addressing enforcement of rules, prevention of market manipulation and customer and market abuses, and the recording and safe storage of trade information. The results of these rule enforcement reviews (RERs) are in most cases summarized in reports by the CFTC;

1.7 The CMEG Exchanges together form the largest commodity futures exchanges in the world and provide customers with trading and execution services for a diverse range of exchange-traded futures and options on futures (exchange-traded products). The exchange-traded products relate to underlyings in various asset classes, including among other things, interest rate sensitive instruments, equity ownership, changes in the value of foreign currency and changes in the prices of agricultural, energy and metal commodities. CME's product slate consists of agricultural, equities, FX, cryptocurrencies{1}/alternative investments and interest rate products, including Eurodollar futures and options, Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) futures and options, Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield, livestock and cash-settled contracts based on the S&P 500, including the E-mini S&P 500 ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) contract, Micro E-mini Equity Index contracts, Nasdaq-100, FTSE Russell and Bitcoin and Ether Reference Rate. CBOT's product slate consists of agricultural, equities and interest rate products, including contracts for United States Treasury futures, soybean, corn, wheat and contracts based on the Dow Jones Industrial Index. NYMEX's product slate consists of energy and metals products, including contracts for crude oil, natural gas, heating oil, gasoline and emissions contracts. COMEX's product slate consists of metals products, including contracts for gold, silver, copper and other base metals (collectively with all other exchange-traded products offered for trading on the CMEG Exchanges, the CMEG Contracts);

1.8 The CMEG Exchanges have a wide range of sophisticated customers comprised of both buy- and sell-side investors, including commercial and investment banks, corporations, pension funds, money managers, proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, commodity trading advisers, currency overlay managers, other institutional customers and individuals;

1.9 The CMEG Exchanges do not have any offices or maintain other physical installations in Ontario or any other Canadian province or territory;

1.10 CME Globex is an electronic trading platform and also functions as the electronic central limit order book for each of the CMEG Exchanges. It is maintained and operated by CME on behalf of each of the CMEG Exchanges in connection with their respective DCM registrations;

1.11 As an electronic trading platform, CME Globex facilitates trading for users in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions of exchange-traded products that are traded and executed on the CMEG Exchanges. CME Globex also provides hosting arrangements for other exchanges, including Bursa Malaysia, the Dubai Mercantile Exchange and the Minneapolis Grain Exchange;

1.12 The CMEG Exchanges offer access in Ontario to their trading systems and facilities, via CME Globex, to prospective participants in Ontario (Ontario Participants). To obtain direct access to the trading systems and facilities of the CMEG Exchanges, via CME Globex, an Ontario Participant must either be:

(a) a "Member Firm", as defined in the rules of the CMEG Exchanges, that is also a "Clearing Member", as defined in the rules of the CMEG Exchanges (CMEG Exchange Clearing Member);

(b) a "Member" or "Member Firm", as defined in the rules of the CMEG Exchanges (collectively, CMEG Exchange Members), that has executed a customer connection agreement with CME through which the CMEG Exchange Member can transmit orders and trades directly into CME Globex with the guarantee of a CMEG Exchange Clearing Member; or

(c) a non-CMEG Exchange Member that has executed a customer connection agreement with CME through which the non-CMEG Exchange Member: (i) can transmit orders and trades directly into CME Globex with the guarantee of a CMEG Exchange Clearing Member, and (ii) is required, among other things, to comply with the rules of the CMEG Exchanges to which access is granted, when entering and executing transactions via CME Globex, and to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to the use of CME Globex (all such non-CMEG Exchange Members herein referred to as Direct Access Users);

1.13 Indirect access by Ontario Participants to the trading systems and facilities of the CMEG Exchanges, via CME Globex, may be facilitated via an order-routing arrangement between the Ontario Participant and a CMEG Exchange Clearing Member whereby orders of the Ontario Participant, as client of the CMEG Exchange Clearing Member, are routed through the CMEG Exchange Clearing Member onto a CMEG Exchange (Order-Routing Client);

1.14 The CMEG Exchanges expect that an Ontario Participant seeking direct access in accordance with above paragraph 1.12 (Ontario User) will be certain Canadian financial institutions (within the meaning of such term in subsection 1.1(3) of National Instrument 14-101 Definitions) and certain other market participants that have a head office or principal place of business in Ontario, such as (i) dealers that are engaged in the business of trading commodity futures in Ontario; (ii) utilities and other commercial enterprises that are exposed to risks attendant upon fluctuations in the price of a commodity; and (iii) institutional investors and proprietary trading firms. In each case, the CMEG Exchanges expect that Ontario Users will be (i) dealers and other entities that are engaged in the business of trading commodity futures and commodity options in Ontario, (ii) Hedgers, or (iii) Banks;

1.15 The CMEG Contracts fall within the definitions of "commodity futures contract" or "commodity futures option" as defined in section 1 of the CFA (collectively, Commodity Futures). As a result, each of the CMEG Exchanges is considered a "commodity futures exchange" as defined in section 1 of the CFA. Therefore, the CMEG Exchanges are prohibited from carrying on business in Ontario unless they are registered or exempt from registration as a commodity futures exchange under subsection 15(1) of the CFA;

1.16 As the CMEG Exchanges intend to provide Ontario Participants with access in Ontario to their trading systems and facilities to trade the CMEG Contracts via CME Globex, the CMEG Exchanges are considered to be "carrying on business as commodity futures exchanges in Ontario";

1.17 None of the CMEG Exchanges is registered with or recognized by the Commission as a commodity futures exchange under the CFA and no CMEG Contracts have been accepted by the Director (as defined in the OSA) under the CFA. As a result, CMEG Contracts are also considered "securities" under paragraph (p) of the definition of "security" in section 1 of the OSA and each of the CMEG Exchanges is considered to be an "exchange" under the OSA. Therefore, the CMEG Exchanges are prohibited from carrying on business in Ontario unless they are recognized or exempt from recognition under subsection 21(1) of the OSA;

1.18 Further, while the CMEG Contracts are also considered "securities" under paragraph (p) of the definition of "security" in section 1 of the OSA for the reasons outlined in the preceding paragraph, the CMEG Contracts would not be considered "securities" under any other paragraph contained in that definition, nor would any CMEG Contract be considered a "derivative" as defined in section 1 of the OSA;

1.19 Similar to paragraph 1.16 above, since the CMEG Exchanges seek to provide Ontario Participants with access in Ontario to trade the CMEG Contracts via CME Globex, they are considered to be "carrying on business as exchanges in Ontario";

1.20 Additionally, the exemption from registration in subsection 32(a) of the CFA applies for trades "by a hedger through a dealer". This exemption is available for trades in CMEG Contracts by Ontario-resident Hedgers that are Order-Routing Clients of CMEG Exchange Clearing Members that are dealers. However, this exemption is not available for trades in CMEG Contracts by Ontario-resident Hedgers that become Ontario Users, since they will have direct access to a CMEG Exchange but will not be considered to be executing "through a dealer". For this reason, the CMEG Exchanges sought and obtained the Hedger Relief under the Revised Exemption Order;

1.21 Section 35.1 of the OSA provides that financial institutions are exempt from the requirement to be registered under the OSA to act as dealers provided that the conditions of the exemption are met. However, there is no corresponding exemption from registration for trades by financial institutions in the CFA. For this reason, the CMEG Exchanges sought and obtained the Bank Relief under the Revised Exemption Order;

1.22 The CMEG Exchanges ensure that all applicants for membership must satisfy certain criteria before their applications are considered for membership, including, among other things: age of majority, good moral character, good reputation, business integrity and adequate financial resources to assume the responsibilities and privileges of membership;

1.23 All CMEG Exchange Clearing Members that guarantee a CMEG Exchange Member or Direct Access User in connection with the provision of direct access under above paragraph 1.12 or that provide order routing access to an Order-Routing Client under above paragraph 1.13 will be registered futures commission merchants with the CFTC. Such CMEG Exchange Clearing Members are subject to the compliance requirements of the CEA, the CFTC and the National Futures Association as they relate to customer accounts, including various know-your-client, suitability, risk disclosure, anti-money laundering and anti-fraud requirements. These requirements, in conjunction with the margin requirements of the CMEG Exchanges applicable to CMEG Exchange Clearing Members, and subsequently to their clients whose trades they guarantee, ensure that Ontario Participants seeking to become Direct Access Users or Order-Routing Clients that are not also CMEG Exchange Members are subjected to appropriate due diligence procedures and fitness criteria. In addition, Direct Access Users are responsible for, among other things, compliance with the rules of the CMEG Exchanges to which access is granted, as those rules relate to the entering and executing of transactions via CME Globex, and to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to the use of CME Globex;

1.24 Based on the facts set out in the Application, each of the CMEG Exchanges satisfies the criteria for exemption set out in Appendix 1 of Schedule "A" to this order;

AND WHEREAS the CMEG Exchanges have acknowledged to the Commission that the scope of the Exchange Relief or Registration Relief and the terms and conditions imposed by the Commission set out in Schedule "A" to this order may change as a result of the Commission's monitoring of developments in international and domestic capital markets or the CMEG Exchanges' activities, or as a result of any changes to the laws in Ontario affecting trading in derivatives, Commodity Futures or securities;

AND WHEREAS based on the Application, together with the representations made by and acknowledgements of the CMEG Exchanges to the Commission, the Commission has determined that:

(a) the CMEG Exchanges satisfy the criteria for exemption set out in Appendix 1 of Schedule "A";

(b) the extension of the Exchange Relief would not be prejudicial to the public interest; and

(c) the extension of the Registration Relief would not be prejudicial to the public interest;

AND WHEREAS the Exchange Relief granted by the Commission will not apply to the operation of any trading system or platform that is a "swap execution facility" as defined in section 1a of the CEA, or to the provision of access to any such trading system or platform to prospective participants in Ontario;

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the Commission that:

(a) pursuant to section 147 of the OSA, each of the CMEG Exchanges continues to be exempt from recognition as an exchange under subsection 21(1) of the OSA;

(b) pursuant to section 80 of the CFA, each of the CMEG Exchanges continues to be exempt from registration as a commodity futures exchange under subsection 15(1) of the CFA;

(c) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, trades in CMEG Contracts by Hedgers that are Ontario Users continue to be exempt from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA;

(d) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, trades in CMEG Contracts by Banks that are Ontario Users entering orders as principal and only for their own accounts continue to be exempt from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA; and

(e) pursuant to section 38 of the CFA, trades in CMEG Contracts by Ontario Users (as defined in the Exemption Order) that are not dealers, Hedgers or Banks, but have obtained an exemption from the requirement to be registered under the CFA continue to be exempt from the registration requirement under section 22 of the CFA.

PROVIDED THAT

a. The CMEG Exchanges comply with the terms and conditions attached hereto as Schedule "A".

b. The Bank Relief and the Participant Relief shall expire upon the coming into force of legislation or a rule by the Commission regarding the imposition of business conduct obligations on market participants in connection with the trading of exchange-traded derivatives with investors in Ontario.

DATED April 6, 2018, as varied and restated on 11 May, 2023.

{1} CME-listed crypto contracts are based on and settle to their corresponding CME CF Reference Rate and are financially-settled and therefore do not involve the exchange of the underlying coin/token.

SCHEDULE "A"

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Meeting Criteria for Exemption

1. Each CMEG Exchange will continue to meet the criteria for exemption included in Appendix 1 to this schedule.

Regulation and Oversight of the CMEG Exchanges

2. Each CMEG Exchange will maintain its registration as a DCM with the CFTC and will continue to be subject to the regulatory oversight of the CFTC.

3. Each CMEG Exchange will continue to comply with the ongoing requirements applicable to it as a DCM registered with the CFTC.

4. Each CMEG Exchange must do everything within its control, which would include cooperating with the Commission as needed, to carry out its activities as an exchange exempted from recognition under subsection 21(1) of the OSA, as a commodity futures exchange exempted from registration under subsection 15(1) of the CFA, and in compliance with Ontario securities law and Ontario commodity futures law.

Access

5. A CMEG Exchange will not provide direct access to an Ontario User unless the Ontario User is appropriately registered to trade in CMEG Contracts, has obtained an exemption from registration, is a Hedger, or is a Bank; in making this determination, a CMEG Exchange may reasonably rely on a written representation from the Ontario User that specifies either that it is appropriately registered to trade in CMEG Contracts, has obtained an exemption from registration, is a Hedger, or is a Bank, and the CMEG Exchange will notify such Ontario User that this representation is deemed to be repeated each time it enters an order for a CMEG Contract.

6. Each Ontario User that intends to rely on the Hedger Relief will be required to, as part of its application documentation or continued access to trading in CMEG Contracts:

(a) represent that it is a Hedger;

(b) acknowledge that the CMEG Exchanges deem the Hedger representation to be repeated by the Ontario User each time it enters an order for a CMEG Contract and that the Ontario User must be a Hedger for the purposes of each trade resulting from such an order;

(c) agree to notify the CMEG Exchanges if it ceases to be a Hedger;

(d) represent that it will only enter orders for its own account;

(e) acknowledge that it is a market participant under the CFA and is subject to applicable requirements; and

(f) acknowledge that its ability to continue to rely on the Hedger Relief in accessing trading on the CMEG Exchanges will be dependent on the Commission continuing to grant the relief and may be affected by changes to the terms and conditions imposed in connection with the Hedger Relief or by changes to Ontario securities laws or Ontario commodity futures laws pertaining to derivatives, Commodity Futures or securities.

7. Each Ontario User that intends to rely on the Bank Relief will be required to, as part of its application documentation or continued access to trading in CMEG Contracts:

(a) represent that it will only enters as principal and for its own account only;

(b) represent that it is a Bank;

(c) acknowledge that the Bank Relief may be affected by changes to the terms and conditions imposed in connection with the Bank Relief or by changes to Ontario securities laws or Ontario commodity laws pertaining to derivatives, Commodity Futures or securities; and

(d) represent that it is not engaging in activities prohibited by its governing legislation.

8. Each CMEG Exchange will require Ontario Users to notify the CMEG Exchange if their registration or exemption from registration has been revoked, suspended or amended by the Commission or if they have ceased to be eligible for the Registration Relief and, following notice from the Ontario User or the Commission and subject to applicable laws, the CMEG Exchange will promptly restrict the Ontario User's access to the CMEG Exchange if the Ontario User is no longer appropriately registered with the Commission, or is no longer eligible for the Registration Relief.

9. Each CMEG Exchange must provide guidance to all CMEG Exchange Clearing Members that provide access to trading for Order-Routing Clients that are Ontario Participants that indicates that the CMEG Exchange Clearing Member is permitted to grant such access provided that (i) the Order-Routing Client is a registered futures commission merchant (FCM) under the CFA; (ii) the CMEG Exchange Clearing Member is a registered FCM under the CFA or (iii) the CMEG Exchange Clearing Member is regulated as a "dealer" (as that term is defined in subsection 1(1) of the CFA) in its home jurisdiction and the Order-Routing Client is a Hedger or is able to rely on another exemption from registration under the CFA.

Trading by Ontario Users

10. A CMEG Exchange will not provide access to an Ontario User to trading in the exchange-traded products of an exchange other than those of the CMEG Exchange, unless such other exchange has sought and received appropriate regulatory standing in Ontario.

11. A CMEG Exchange will not provide access to an Ontario User to trading in CMEG Contracts other than those that meet the definition of "commodity futures contract" or "commodity futures option" as defined in subsection 1(1) of the CFA, and which also fall under paragraph (p) of the definition of "security" in subsection 1(1) of the OSA, without prior Commission approval.

Submission to Jurisdiction and Agent for Service

12. With respect to a proceeding brought by the Commission arising out of, related to, concerning or in any other manner connected with the Commission's regulation and oversight of the activities of a CMEG Exchange in Ontario, the CMEG Exchange will submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of (i) the courts and administrative tribunals of Ontario and (ii) an administrative proceeding in Ontario.

13. Each CMEG Exchange will submit to the Commission a valid and binding appointment of an agent for service in Ontario upon whom the Commission may serve a notice, pleading, subpoena, summons or other process in any action, investigation or administrative, criminal, quasi-criminal, penal or other proceeding arising out of or relating to or concerning the Commission's regulation and oversight of a CMEG Exchange's activities in Ontario.

Prompt Reporting

14. Each CMEG exchange will notify staff of the Commission promptly of:

(a) any authorization to carry on business granted by the CFTC is revoked or suspended or made subject to terms or conditions on the CMEG Exchange's operations;

(b) the CMEG Exchange institutes a petition for a judgment of bankruptcy or insolvency or similar relief, or to wind up or liquidate the CMEG Exchange or has a proceeding for any such petition instituted against it;

(c) a receiver is appointed for the CMEG Exchange or the CMEG Exchange makes any voluntary arrangement with creditors;

(d) the CMEG Exchange is not in compliance with this Order or with any applicable requirements, laws or regulations of the CFTC where it is required to report such non-compliance to the CFTC;

(e) any known investigations of, or disciplinary action against, the CMEG Exchange by the CFTC or any other regulatory authority to which it is subject; and

(f) the CMEG Exchange makes any material change to the eligibility criteria for Ontario Users.

Semi-Annual Reporting

15. Each CMEG Exchange will maintain the following updated information and submit such information in a manner and form acceptable to the Commission on a semi-annual basis (by July 31 for the first half of the calendar year and by January 31 of the following year for the second half), and at any time promptly upon the request of staff of the Commission:

(a) a current list of all Ontario Users and whether the Ontario User is registered under Ontario securities laws or is exempt from or not subject to registration, and, to the extent known by the CMEG Exchange, other persons or companies located in Ontario trading as customers of participants (Other Ontario Participants);

(b) to the extent provided to the CMEG Exchange, the legal entity identifier assigned to each Ontario User and to Other Ontario Participants in accordance with the standards set by the Global Legal Entity Identifier System;

(c) a list of all Ontario Users against whom disciplinary action has been taken since the previous report by the CMEG Exchange, or, to the best of the CMEG Exchange's knowledge, by the CFTC with respect to such Ontario Users' activities on the CMEG Exchange and the aggregate number of disciplinary actions taken against all participants since the previous report by the CMEG Exchange;

(d) a list of all active investigations since the previous report by the CMEG Exchange relating to Ontario Users and the aggregate number of active investigations since the previous report relating to all participants undertaken by the CMEG Exchange;

(e) a list of all Ontario applicants for status as a participant who were denied such status or access to the CMEG Exchange since the previous report, together with the reasons for each such denial; and

(f) for each product,

(i) the total trading volume and value originating from Ontario Users, and, to the extent known by the Applicant, from Other Ontario Participants, presented on a per Ontario User or per Other Ontario Participant basis; and

(ii) the proportion of worldwide trading volume and value on the Applicant conducted by Ontario Users, and, to the extent known by the Applicant, by Other Ontario Participants, presented in the aggregate for such Ontario Users and Other Ontario Participants;

provided in the required format.

Information Sharing

16. The CMEG Exchanges will provide information (including additional periodic reporting) as may be requested from time to time by, and otherwise cooperate with, the Commission or its staff, subject to any applicable privacy or other laws (including solicitor-client privilege) governing the sharing of information and the protection of personal information.

APPENDIX 1

CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION

PART 1 REGULATION OF THE EXCHANGE

1.1 Regulation of the Exchange

The exchange is regulated in an appropriate manner in another jurisdiction by a foreign regulator (Foreign Regulator).

Authority of the Foreign Regulator

The Foreign Regulator has the appropriate authority and procedures for oversight of the exchange. This includes regular, periodic oversight reviews of the exchange by the Foreign Regulator.

PART 2 GOVERNANCE

2.1 Governance

The governance structure and governance arrangements of the exchange ensure:

(a) effective oversight of the exchange,

(b) that business and regulatory decisions are in keeping with its public interest mandate,

(c) fair, meaningful and diverse representation on the board of directors (Board) and any committees of the Board, including:

(i) appropriate representation of independent directors, and

(ii) a proper balance among the interests of the different persons or companies using the services and facilities of the exchange,

(d) the exchange has policies and procedures to appropriately identify and manage conflicts of interest, and

(e) there are appropriate qualifications, remuneration, limitation of liability and indemnity provisions for directors, officers and employees of the exchange.

Fitness

The exchange has policies and procedures under which it will take reasonable steps, and has taken such reasonable steps, to ensure that each director and officer is a fit and proper person.

PART 3 REGULATION OF PRODUCTS

3.1 Review and Approval of Products

The products traded on the exchange and any changes thereto are reviewed by the Foreign Regulator, and are either approved by the Foreign Regulator or are subject to requirements established by the Foreign Regulator that must be met before implementation of a product or changes to a product.

3.2 Product Specifications

The terms and conditions of trading the products are in conformity with the usual commercial customs and practices for the trading of such products.

3.3 Risks Associated with Trading Products

The exchange maintains adequate provisions to measure, manage and mitigate the risks associated with trading products on the exchange including, but not limited to, margin requirements, intra-day margin calls, daily trading limits, price limits, position limits, and internal controls.

PART 4 ACCESS

4.1 Fair Access

(a) The exchange has established appropriate written standards for access to its services including requirements to ensure

(i) participants are appropriately registered as applicable under Ontario securities laws or Ontario commodity futures laws, or exempted from these requirements,

(ii) the competence, integrity and authority of systems users, and

(iii) systems users are adequately supervised.

(b) The access standards and the process for obtaining, limiting and denying access are fair, transparent and applied reasonably.

(c) The exchange does not unreasonably prohibit, condition or limit access by a person or company to services offered by it.

(d) The exchange does not

(i) permit unreasonable discrimination among participants, or

(ii) impose any burden on competition that is not reasonably necessary and appropriate.

PART 5 REGULATION OF PARTICIPANTS ON THE EXCHANGE

5.1 Regulation

The exchange has the authority, resources, capabilities, systems and processes to allow it to perform its regulation functions, whether directly or indirectly through a regulation services provider, including setting requirements governing the conduct of its participants, monitoring their conduct, and appropriately disciplining them for violations of exchange requirements.

PART 6 RULEMAKING

6.1 Purpose of Rules

(a) The exchange has rules, policies and other similar instruments (Rules) that are designed to appropriately govern the operations and activities of participants.

(b) The Rules are not contrary to the public interest and are designed to

(i) ensure compliance with applicable legislation,

(ii) prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices,

(iii) promote just and equitable principles of trade,

(iv) foster co-operation and co-ordination with persons or companies engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in the products traded on the exchange,

(v) provide a framework for disciplinary and enforcement actions, and

(vi) ensure a fair and orderly market.

PART 7 DUE PROCESS

7.1 Due Process

For any decision made by the exchange that affects a participant, or an applicant to be a participant, including a decision in relation to access, exemptions, or discipline, the exchange ensures that:

(a) parties are given an opportunity to be heard or make representations, and

(b) it keeps a record of, gives reasons for, and provides for appeals or reviews of its decisions.

PART 8 CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT

8.1 Clearing Arrangements

The exchange has appropriate arrangements for the clearing and settlement of transactions through a clearing house{2}.

8.2 Regulation of the Clearing House

The clearing house is subject to acceptable regulation.

8.3 Authority of Regulator

A foreign regulator has the appropriate authority and procedures for oversight of the clearing house. This includes regular, periodic regulatory examinations of the clearing house by the foreign regulator.

8.4 Access to the Clearing House

(a) The clearing house has established appropriate written standards for access to its services.

(b) The access standards for clearing members and the process for obtaining, limiting and denying access are fair, transparent and applied reasonably.

8.5 Sophistication of Technology of Clearing House

The exchange has assured itself that the information technology used by the clearing house has been adequately reviewed and tested and provides at least the same level of safeguards as required of the exchange.

8.6 Risk Management of Clearing House

The exchange has assured itself that the clearing house has established appropriate risk management policies and procedures, contingency plans, default procedures and internal controls.

PART 9 SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

9.1 Systems and Technology

Each of the exchange's critical systems has appropriate internal controls to ensure completeness, accuracy, integrity and security of information, and, in addition, has sufficient capacity and business continuity plans to enable the exchange to properly carry on its business. Critical systems are those that support the following functions:

(a) order entry,

(b) order routing,

(c) execution,

(d) trade reporting,

(e) trade comparison,

(f) data feeds,

(g) market surveillance,

(h) trade clearing, and

(i) financial reporting.

9.2 Information Technology Risk Management Procedures

The exchange has appropriate risk management procedures in place including those that handle trading errors, trading halts and circuit breakers.

PART 10 FINANCIAL VIABILITY

10.1 Financial Viability

The exchange has sufficient financial resources for the proper performance of its functions and to meet its responsibilities.

PART 11 TRANSPARENCY

11.1 Transparency

The exchange has adequate arrangements to record and publish accurate and timely trade and order information. This information is provided to all participants on an equitable basis.

PART 12 RECORD KEEPING

12.1 Record Keeping

The exchange has and maintains adequate systems in place for the keeping of books and records, including, but not limited to, those concerning the operations of the exchange, audit trail information on all trades, and compliance with, and/or violations of exchange requirements.

PART 13 OUTSOURCING

13.1 Outsourcing

Where the exchange has outsourced any of its key services or systems to a service provider, it has appropriate and formal arrangements and processes in place that permit it to meet its obligations and that are in accordance with industry best practices.

PART 14 FEES

14.1 Fees

(a) All fees imposed by the exchange are reasonable and equitably allocated and do not have the effect of creating an unreasonable condition or limit on access by participants to the services offered by the exchange.

(b) The process for setting fees is fair and appropriate, and the fee model is transparent.

PART 15 INFORMATION SHARING AND OVERSIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

15.1 Information Sharing and Regulatory Cooperation

The exchange has mechanisms in place to enable it to share information and otherwise co-operate with the Commission, self-regulatory organizations, other exchanges, clearing agencies, investor protection funds, and other appropriate regulatory bodies.

15.2 Oversight Arrangements

Satisfactory information sharing and oversight agreements exist between the Ontario Securities Commission and the Foreign Regulator.

PART 16 IOSCO PRINCIPLES

16.1 IOSCO Principles

To the extent it is consistent with the laws of the foreign jurisdiction, the exchange adheres to the standards of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) including those set out in the "Principles for the Regulation and Supervision of Commodity Derivatives Markets" (2011).

{2} For the purposes of these criteria, "clearing house" also means a "clearing agency"