---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 6k"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "6k"
heading: "Registration of associates of futures commission merchants, commodity pool operators, and commodity trading advisors; required disclosure of disqualifications; exemptions for associated persons"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/6k"
units:
  - "Chapter 1 — Commodity Exchanges"
---

# §6k. Registration of associates of futures commission merchants, commodity pool operators, and commodity trading advisors; required disclosure of disqualifications; exemptions for associated persons

- (1) It shall be unlawful for any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to be associated with a [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A) as a partner, officer, or employee, or to be associated with an [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) as a partner, officer, employee, or agent (or any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), in any capacity that involves (i) the solicitation or acceptance of [customers](/usc/7/24.md?p=b)’ orders (other than in a clerical capacity) or (ii) the supervision of any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) or [persons](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) so engaged, unless such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) is registered with the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) under this chapter as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of such [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A) or of such [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) and such registration shall not have expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. It shall be unlawful for a [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A) or [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) to permit such a [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to become or remain associated with the [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A) or [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) in any such capacity if such [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A) or [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) knew or should have known that such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) was not so registered or that such registration had expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. Any individual who is registered as a [floor broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=22-A), [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A), or [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A) (and such registration is not suspended or revoked) need not also register under this paragraph.
- (2) It shall be unlawful for any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to be associated with a [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A) as a partner, officer, employee, consultant, or agent (or any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), in any capacity that involves (i) the solicitation of funds, [securities](/usc/7/1a.md?p=41), or property for a participation in a [commodity pool](/usc/7/1a.md?p=10-A) or (ii) the supervision of any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) or [persons](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) so engaged, unless such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) is registered with the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) under this chapter as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of such [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A) and such registration shall not have expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. It shall be unlawful for a [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A) to permit such a [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to become or remain associated with the [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A) in any such capacity if the [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A) knew or should have known that such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) was not so registered or that such registration had expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. Any individual who is registered as a [floor broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=22-A), [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A), [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A), [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A), or as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of another category of registrant under this section (and such registration is not suspended or revoked) need not also register under this paragraph. The [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) may exempt any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) or class of [persons](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) from having to register under this paragraph by rule, regulation, or order.
- (3) It shall be unlawful for any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to be associated with a [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) as a partner, officer, employee, consultant, or agent (or any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), in any capacity which involves (i) the solicitation of a client’s or prospective client’s discretionary account or (ii) the supervision of any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) or [persons](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) so engaged, unless such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) is registered with the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) under this chapter as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of such [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) and such registration shall not have expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. It shall be unlawful for a [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) to permit such a [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to become or remain associated with the [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) in any such capacity if the [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) knew or should have known that such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) was not so registered or that such registration had expired, been suspended (and the period of suspension has not expired), or been revoked. Any individual who is registered as a [floor broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=22-A), [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A), [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A), [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A), or as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of another category of registrant under this section (and such registration is not suspended or revoked) need not also register under this paragraph. The [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) may exempt any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) or class of [persons](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) from having to register under this paragraph by rule, regulation, or order.
- (4) Any [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) desiring to be registered as an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of a [futures commission merchant](/usc/7/1a.md?p=28-A), of an [introducing broker](/usc/7/1a.md?p=31-A), of a [commodity pool operator](/usc/7/1a.md?p=11-A), or of a [commodity trading advisor](/usc/7/1a.md?p=12-A) shall make application to the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) in the form and manner prescribed by the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8), giving such information and facts as the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) may deem necessary concerning the applicant. Such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38), when registered hereunder, shall likewise continue to report and furnish to the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) such information as the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) may require. Such registration shall expire at such time as the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) may by rule, regulation, or order prescribe.
- (5) It shall be unlawful for any registrant to permit a [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) to become or remain an associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of such registrant, if the registrant knew or should have known of facts regarding such associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) that are set forth as statutory disqualifications in [section 12a(2) of this title](/usc/7/12a.md?p=2), unless such registrant has notified the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) of such facts and the [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8) has determined that such [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) should be registered or temporarily licensed.
- (6) Any associated [person](/usc/7/1a.md?p=38) of a [broker](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-7) or [dealer](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-6) that is registered with the [Securities](/usc/7/1a.md?p=41) and [Exchange](/usc/7/1a.md?p=1-D) [Commission](/usc/7/1a.md?p=8), and who limits its solicitation of orders, acceptance of orders, or execution of orders, or placing of orders on behalf of others involving any contracts of sale of any [commodity](/usc/7/1a.md?p=9) for [future delivery](/usc/7/1a.md?p=27) or any [option](/usc/7/1a.md?p=36) on such a contract, on or subject to the rules of any contract [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) or registered derivatives transaction execution facility to [security futures products](/usc/7/1a.md?p=45), shall be exempt from the following provisions of this chapter and the rules thereunder:
  - (A) Subsections (b), (d), (e), and (g) of [section 6c of this title](/usc/7/6c.md).
  - (B) Sections [6d](/usc/7/6d.md), [6e](/usc/7/6e.md), and [6h](/usc/7/6h.md) of this title.
  - (C) Subsections (b) and (c) of [section 6f of this title](/usc/7/6f.md).
  - (D) [Section 6j of this title](/usc/7/6j.md).
  - (E) [Paragraph (1)](#1) of this section.
  - (F) [Section 6p of this title](/usc/7/6p.md).
  - (G) [Section 13a–2 of this title](/usc/7/13a–2.md).
  - (H) Subsections (d) and (g) of [section 12 of this title](/usc/7/12.md).
  - (I) [Section 20 of this title](/usc/7/20.md).

## Source credit

(Sept. 21, 1922, ch. 369, § 4k, as added Pub. L. 93–463, title II, § 204(a), Oct. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 95–405, § 7, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 869; Pub. L. 97–444, title II, § 212, Jan. 11, 1983, 96 Stat. 2303; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(5) [title II, § 252(d)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–448; Pub. L. 110–234, title XIII, § 13105(c), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1434; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title XIII, § 13105(c), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2196.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Amendments

2008—Pars. (5), (6). Pub. L. 110–246, § 13105(c), redesignated par. (5) relating to exempting associated persons or dealers from provisions of this chapter as (6).

2000—Par. (5). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(5) [title II, § 252(d)], which directed amendment of this section by “inserting after paragraph (4), as added by subsection (c) of this section” a new par. (5) relating to exempting associated persons or dealers from provisions of this chapter, was executed by adding that par. (5) at the end. Section 1(a)(5)[title II, § 252(c)] did not add a par. (4) to this section.

1983—Par. (1). Pub. L. 97–444 amended par. (1) generally to apply to introducing brokers and persons associated with introducing brokers.

Par. (2). Pub. L. 97–444 added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (4).

Par. (3). Pub. L. 97–444 added par. (3). Former par. (3), which empowered Commission to authorize a registered futures association to perform any portion of the registration functions under this section, in accordance with rules approved by the Commission, and subject to the provisions of this chapter applicable to registrations granted by the Commission, was struck out.

Par. (4). Pub. L. 97–444 redesignated former par. (2) as (4) and substituted “Any person desiring to be registered as an associated person of a futures commission merchant, of an introducing broker, of a commodity pool operator, or of a commodity trading advisor shall make application to the Commission in the form and manner prescribed by the Commission, giving such information and facts as the Commission may deem necessary concerning the applicant. Such person, when registered hereunder, shall likewise continue to report and furnish to the Commission such information as the Commission may require. Such registration shall expire at such time as the Commission may by rule, regulation, or order prescribe” for “Any such person desiring to be registered shall make application to the Commission in the form and manner prescribed by the Commission, giving such information and facts as the Commission may deem necessary concerning the applicant. Such person, when registered hereunder, shall likewise continue to report and furnish to the Commission such information as the Commission may require. Such registration shall expire two years after the effective date thereof or at such other time, not less than one year from the date of issuance thereof, as the Commission may by rule, regulation, or order prescribe and shall be renewed upon application therefor, unless the registration has been suspended (and the period of such suspension has not expired) or revoked after notice and hearing as prescribed in section 9 of this title: Provided, That upon initial registration, unless the Commission otherwise prescribes by rule, regulation, or order, the effective period of such registration shall be not more than two years nor less than one year from the effective date thereof”.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 97–444 added par. (5).

1978—Par. (2). Pub. L. 95–405, § 7(1), inserted provisions authorizing the Commission to prescribe the period of registration of not less than one year for associated persons.

Par. (3). Pub. L. 95–405, § 7(2), added par. (3).

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–444 effective 120 days after Jan. 11, 1983, or such earlier date as the Commission shall prescribe by regulation, see section 239 of Pub. L. 97–444, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–405 effective Oct. 1, 1978, see section 28 of Pub. L. 95–405, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

### Effective Date

For effective date of section, see section 418 of Pub. L. 93–463, set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 2 of this title.