Commission Guidance Regarding the Listing of Voluntary Carbon Credit Derivative Contracts

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "Commission" or "CFTC") is issuing this guidance to outline factors for consideration by designated contract markets ("DCMs"), when addressing certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), and CFTC regulations thereunder, that are relevant to the listing for trading of voluntary carbon credit ("VCC") derivative contracts. The Commission recognizes that VCC derivatives are a comparatively new and evolving class of products, and believes that guidance that outlines factors for consideration by a DCM, in connection with the contract design and listing process, may help to advance the standardization of such products in a manner that promotes transparency and liquidity.