MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN 

THE UNITED STATES COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 

AND THE COMISION NACIONAL DE VALORES OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA 

ON CONSULTATION, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND 

MUTUAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION 
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTAN'JING 

The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Comisi6n Nacional de 

V alores of the Republic of Argentina acknowledge the importance of ensuring compliance 

with and enforcement of the futures and options laws, rules and regulations of the United 

States and the Republic of Argentina. In light of the increasing international activi!Y in 

transactions in futures and options, and the need for mutual cooperation in order to facilitate 

the performance of their respective duties, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and 

the Comisi6n Nacional de Valores have reached the following understanding with respect to 

consultations, technica1 assistance, and mutual assistance for the exchange of information. 

The following understandings do not create legally binding obligations on the authorities or 

supersede domestic law. 

CLAUSE I DEFINITIONS 

For the purposes of this Memorandum of Understanding (Memorandum): 

(a) "Authority" means: 

(i) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of the United 

States (CFTC); and 

(ii) the Comisi6n Nacional de Valores of the Republic of Argentina 

(CNV). 

(b) "requested Authority" means an Authority to whom a request under this 

Memorandum is made. 

(c) "requesting Authority" means an Authority making a request under this 

Memorandum. 

(d) "person" means a natural person, unincorporated association, partnership, 

body corporate, government or political subdivision, agency or 

instrumentality of a government. 

(e) "futures business" means any person who is involved, in whole or in 

part, in effecting transactions in futures and options for the accounts of 

others; buying and selling futures and options for one's own account; 

advising others for compensation, either directly or through publications, 

as to the desirability of investing in, purchasing or selling futures and 

options, the management, promotion, offer or sale of any collective 

investment scheme; or equivalent activities conducted by persons or 

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entities; and includes persons acting in the capacity of trading advisors, 

pool operators, futures conunission merchants, introducing brokers, 

associated persons and floor brokers, floor traders, and futures and 

options broker and dealers. 

(f) "futures processing business" means a futures clearing organization. 

(g) "futures transaction" means a transaction in futures or options that is 

regulated or subject to regulation by the Authorities whether transacted 

on or subject to the rules of an exchange or market, or over-the-counter; 

and 

(h) ''laws or regulations" means: 

(i) the provisions of the laws, or regulations promulgated 

thereunder, of the United States; and 

(ii) the provisions of the laws, or regulations promulgated 

thereunder, of the Republic of Argentina; 

concermng: 

(a) insider trading, misrepresentation or the use of fraudulent, 

deceptive or manipulative practices in connection with the 

offer, purchase or sale of any futures or options contract 

or the conduct of futures business or futures transactions; 

(b) the duties of persons to comply with reporting 

requirements; 

(c) the making of a false or misleading statement or any 

material omission in any application or report made to the 

Authorities; 

(d) the duties of persons or futures businesses to make full 

and fair disclosure of information to futures market 

participants in connection with futures transactions; 

(e) the duties of futures businesses and futures processing 

businesses pertaining to their fmancial, operational or 

other requirements and their duties of fair dealing in the 

offer and sale of futures and options, the execution of 

transactions and the conduct of their businesses; 
CLAUSE II 

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(f) the fmancial and other qualifications of persons engaged 

in, or in control of, futures businesses or futures 

processing businesses; and 

(g) any other futures or options matters under the jurisdiction 

of the Authorities. 

MUTUAL ASSISTANCE FOR TI!E EXCHANGE OF 

INFORMATION 

Section I. General Principles for Mutual Assistance for the Exchange of 

Information 

1. This Clause sets forth a statement of intent of the Authorities regarding the 

exchange of information between the Authorities. 

2. Nothing in this Clause is intended to limit the powers of the CFTC under the 

laws of the United States or the powers of the CNV under the laws of the Republic of 

Argentina to investigate or gather information or to take measures otherwise than as provided 

in this Clause to obtain information, whether or not in connection with a request under this 

Clause. 

3. The provisions of this Clause do not give rise to the right on the part of any 

person other than the Authorities, directly or indirectly, to obtain, suppress or exclude any 

evidence or to challenge the execution of a request for assistance under this Clause. 

4. Assistance under this Clause may be denied by the requested Authority: 

(a) where the request would require the requested Authority to act in a 

manner that would violate the laws of the state of the requested 

Authority; 

(b) where the request is not in accordance with the provisions set forth in 

this Clause; 

(c) on the grounds of essential public interest; 

(d) on grounds of national security. 
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Section 2. Scope of Assistance 

I. The requested Authority will provide to the requesting Authority the fullest 

mutual assistance, within the framework of this Clause and to the extent permissible under the 

laws of the requested Authority, in response to any request concerning matters within the 

jurisdiction of the requesting Authority. 

2. In order to comply with any request for assistance under this Clause, the 

requested Authority will use all the means provided under the law of its jurisdiction to 

investigate a violation of any law, rule or regulation within the jurisdiction of the requesting 

Authority, or to obtain information from any person likely to have information in connection 

with the facts contemplated by the request. 

3. Assistance available pursuant to this Clause includes, but is not limited to: 

(a) providing access to information in the files of the requested Authority; 

(b) taking testimony and statements of persons; 

(c) obtaining information and documents from persons; and 

(d) conducting compliance inspections or examinations of futures 

transactions and futures businesses. 

4. The Authorities recognize that they may not in all circumstances possess the 

legal authority to provide the assistance contemplated in this Clause. · Subject to such 

limitations of legal authority, the Authorities will use all reasonable efforts to obtain the 

necessary authorization to provide the assistance contemplated in this Clause. 

Section 3. Requests for Assistance 

1. Requests for assistance are to be made in writing and addressed to the 

requested Authority's contact officer(s) listed in Appendix A. 

2. The requests for assistance will specifY the following: 

(a) the information sought by the requesting Authority; 

(b) a general description of both the matter which is the subject of the 

request and the purpose for which the information is sought; 

(c) a general description of the assistance, documents, infonnation, 

testimony, and statements of persons sought by the requesting Authority; 
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(d) any information in the possession of the requesting Authority that might 

assist the requested Authority in identifying the persons or entities 

believed by the requesting Authority to possess the information sought, 

or the places where such information may be obtained; 

(e) the laws, rules or regulations pertaining to the matter which is the 

subject of the request; and 

(f) the desired time period for the reply and, where appropriate, the urgency 

thereof. 

3. In the event of urgency, requests for assistance and replies to such requests 

shall be expedited to the extent possible or effected by means of communication other than 

the exchange of letters, provided that they are confirmed in the manners prescribed in 

paragraphs I and 2 of this Section. 

4. Requests for assistance may be denied where the request does not comply ""ith 

the provisions set forth in this Clause. 

Section 4. Execution of Requests 

1. Access to information held in the files of the requested Authority will be 

provided upon request of the requesting Authority pursuant to Section 3 of this Clause. 

2. When requested by the requesting Authority, the requested Authority will take 

the testimony or statements of persons involved, directly or indirectly, in the activities that are 

the subject of the request or holding information that may assist in carrying out the request. 

The requesting Authority may, in its discretion, request the taking of the testimony or 

statements of specific persons. The requested Authority also will require the production of 

other evidence from any other party or parties designated by the requesting Authority. 

3. The obtaining of testimony or statements, the gathering of docwnents, and the 

response to a request under this Clause will be conducted in accordance with the procedures 

and laws of the requested Authority and by persons designated by the requested Authority, 

unless otherwise agreed by the Authorities. 

4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Memorandum of Understanding, 

any person providing testimony, statements, information, or docwnents as a result of a request 

made under this Clause will be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the laws of the state 

of the requested Authority that may otherwise be applicable. Assertions regarding other rights 

and privileges arising exclusively pursuant to the laws of the state of the requesting Authority 

will be preserved for consideration by the courts in the state of the requesting Authority. 
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5. Notwithstanding paragraph 3 of this Section, when requested by the requesting 

Authority, testimony or statements will be taken Wlder oath and a transcript will be made. In 

addition, subject to approval by the requested Authority, a representative of the requesting 

Authority may be present at the taking of testimony or statements and may prescribe specific 

questions to be asked of any witness. 

6. When requested by the requesting Authority, an inspection or examination will 

be conducted of the books and records of futures transactions and futures businesses. In 

addition, a representative of the requesting Authority may be present at the inspection or 

examination and, subject to approval by the requested Authority, may participate in that 

inspection or examination. 

7. In addition to participating in the taking of testimony or statements pursuant to 

paragraph 5 of this Section, or an inspection or examination pursuant to paragraph 6 of this 

Section, the requesting Authority may submit to the requested Authority a request, with 

reasons, that a person or persons designated by the requesting Authority be permitted to 

conduct the testimony or take a statement of any person, or conduct an inspection or 

examination. 

(a) The request may be granted, modified, or denied by the requested 

Authority in its discretion. 

(b) Section 7 of this Clause applies to the denial of a request referred to in 

this Section. 

8. If it appears that responding to a request for assistance under this Clause will 

involve substantial costs being incurred by the requested Authority, the requested Authority 

and requesting Authority will establish a cost sharing arrangement before continuing to 

respond to such request for assistance. 

Section 5. Permissible Uses of Information 

I. The requesting Authority may use the information furnished solely: 

(a) for purposes stated in the request, including ensuring compliance with or 

enforcement of the laws or regulations specified in the request and 

related provisions~ and 
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(b) for purposes within the general framework of the use stated in the 

request, including conducting a civil or administrative enforcement 

proceeding, assisting in a self-regulatory compliance proceeding, 

assisting in a criminal prosecution, or conducting any investigation 

related thereto for any general charge applicable to the violation of the 

law, rule or regulation specified in the request. 

2. To use the information fiunisbed for .any purpose other th.an those stated in 

paragraph I of this Clause, the requesting Authnrity will first inform the requested Authority 

of its intention and provide the requested Authority an opportunity to oppose the utilization. 

If the requested Authority opposes the utilization, the infonnation may be used only under the 

conditions imposed by the requested Authority. !fuse of the information is opposed by the 

requested Authority~ the Authorities will consult pursuant to Section 7 concerning the reasons 

for the refusal and the circwnstances under which use of the infonnation might otherwise be 

allowed. 

Section 6. Confidentiality 

1. Each Authority will keep requests made under this Clause, the contents of such 

requests and any other matters arising during the operation of this Clause, including 

consultations between the Authorities, confidential to the extent permitted by law. However, 

disclosures that are absolutely necessary to carry out 1he requests are permitted. 

Confidentiality may be waived by mutual agreement of the Authorities. 

2. The requesting Authority will keep confidential to the extent pennitted by its 

law any information received pursuant to this Clause, unless it is disclosed in accordance with 

Section 5. 

3. Except as contemplated by Section 5 and paragraph 1 of this Section, the 

requesting Authority will not disclose the infonnation to any other person and will use its best 

efforts to ensure that it is not obtained by any other persott However, unless otherwise 

agreed, if such information is obtained by a public authority, the requesting Authority shall 

use its best efforts to ensure that such information is not used by that public authority in any 

way that involves disclosure to any other person. 

4. The requesting Authority will notify the r"'juested Authority of any legally 

enforceable demand for infcmnation prior to complying with the demand and will assert such 

appropriate legal exemptions or privileges with respect to .such information as may be 

availaQle. 

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5. As soon as the requesting Authority has terminated the matter for which 

assistance has been requested under this Clause, it will return to the requested Authority, to 

the extent permitted by the law of the jmisdiction of the requesting Authority, all documents 

and copies thereof not already disclosed in proceedings referred to in Section 5 of this clause. 

Other material disclosing the contents of such docwnents also shall be provided, other than 

material that is generated as part of the deliberativ£: or internal analytical process of the 

requesting Authority, which may be retained. 

Section 7. Disputes and Consuhations 

I. The Authorities will keep the operation of this Clause under continuous review 

and will consult with a view to improving its operation and resolving any matters that may 

arise. In particular, the Authorities will consult upon request in the event of: 

(a) a refusal by one Authority to comply with a request for information on 

the public interest grounds set forth in paragraph 4 of Section I of this 

clause; 

(b) a change in market or business conditions or in the legislation governing 

matters within the jurisdiction of either Authority, or any difficulty 

which may make it necessary to amend or extend this Clause in order to 

achieve its purposes; or 

(c) a dispute regarding the meaning of any terms used in this Memorandum. 

2. The Authorities may agree on such practical measures as may be necessary to 

facilitate the implementation of this Clause.. including the waiver of any of its requirements. 

Section 8. Unsolicited Assistance 

To the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of its jurisdiction, each Authority 

will use reasonable efforts to provide the other Authority with any information it discovers 

which gives rise to a suspicion of a breach, or lllllicipatcd breach, of the laws or regulations of 

the other Authority. 
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CLAUSE III CONSULTATIONS REGARDING MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST 

AND THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR FUTURES 

AND OPTIONS MARKET DEVELOPMENT 

Section 1. General Principles for Consultations and Technical Assistance 

1. The Authorities consider it essential to establish a fram~work to enhance 

cooperation about all matters relating to the operation of their futures and options markets and 

the protection of futures and options market participants. To that end, the Authorities wish to 

arrange for the provision of technical assistance on a continuing basis to enhance 

communication and to further mutual understanding. 

2. This Clause sets forth a statement of the intent of the Authorities regarding 

such a framework for consu1tations and technical assistance. The Authorities intend to engage 

in a regular dialogue on both domestic and international aspects of futures and options 

regulation and enforcement, and on the development and operation of their futures and options 

markets. 

Section 2. Consultations on the Stability, Efficiency. and Integrity of the Futures 

and Options Markets 

The Authorities intend to consult periodically about matters of mutual interest in order 

to enhance cooperation and to protect futures and options market participants by ensuring the 

stability, efficiency, and integrity of the futures and options markets of the United States and 

the Republic of Argentina. Such consultations may cover, among other things, the 

development of capital and other standards for the operation of futures businesses, business 

practices, the evolution of clearance and settlement and other market systems, the coordination 

of market oversight, and the administration of the United States and Argentine futures and 

options laws and regulations. The purpose of such consultations is to assist in the 

development of mutually agreeable approaches for strengthening the futures and options 

markets of the United States and the Republic of Argentina, while avoiding, wherever 

possible, conflicts that may arise from the application of differing regulatory practices. 

Section 3. Provision of Technical Assistance for the Development of the Argentine 

Futures and Options Markets 

I. The CFTC intends to consult with and provide advice to the CNV with a view 

toward establishing and implementing an ongoing technical assistance program for the · 

development, administration, and operation of the Argentine futures and options markets. 

Such consultations will identify specific types of technical assistance that the Authorities 

believe are desirable and reasonable. The technical assistance may include the training of 

personnel as well as the provision of infonnation and advice relating to the development of: 
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(a) systems to promote the risk management, price discovery and hedging 

functions of markets; 

(b) types of futures and options products to fill particular needs; 

(c) order handling systems; 

(d) trade recording and comparison systems; 

(e) quotation and transaction data transmission systems; 

(f) clearance and settlement mechanisms; 

(g) regulatory requirements relating to market professionals and capital 

adequacy; 

(h) systems and related regulatory mechanisms relating to accounting and 

disclosure; 

(i) systems necessary for effective market surveillance and enforcement 

programs; and 

G) procedures and practices to protect futures and options market 

participants. 

2. The Authorities recognize that specific technical assistance will be subject to 

the availability of resources as well as domestic authorizing legislation. 

Section 4. Provision of Technical Assistance to Emerging Futures and Options 

Markets 

The Authorities share a common commitment to supporting the development of open, 

safe, sound and efficient futures and options markets throughout the world. The Authorities 

believe that combining their unique experiences and perspectives will provide a valuable 

resource for countries with emerging futures and options markets. Therefore, the Authorities 

intend to work together to respond to requests from countries with emerging futures and 

options markets for technical assistance on a wide variety of related issues. 

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CLAUSE IV FINAL PROVISIONS 

Section I. Effective Date 

1. All provisions of this Memorandum not requiring adoption of domestic 

implementing legislation will become effective inunediately upon signing by both Authorities. 

2. All provisions of this Memorandum requiring adoption of domestic 

implementing legislation will become effective upon notification that such implementing 

legislation and any necessary rules and regulations have been adopted. 

Section 2. Termination 

I. This Memorandum will continue to have effect unless terminated by either 

Authority by giving 30 days advance written notice to the other Authority that this 

Memorandum is no longer to have effect. If such notice is given, this Memorandum will 

continue to have effect with respect to all requests for assistance which are made before the 

effective date of notification until the requesting Authority terminates the matter for which 

assistance was requested. 

Signed this 3Di<. day of May, 1995. 

United States Commodity Futures 

Trading Commission 

by fn~c/..A1~ Mary L. Schapiro 

Chairman 

Comisi6n Nacional de Valores 

of the Republic of Argentina 

by