A CTA is an individual or organization which, for compensation or profit, advises others as to the value of or the advisability of buying or selling futures contracts or commodity options.

Providing advice indirectly includes exercising trading authority over a customer's account as well as giving advice through written publications or other media.

Registration is required unless:

1. You have provided advice to 15 or fewer persons during the past 12 months and do not generally hold yourself out to the public as a CTA or
2. You are in one of a number of businesses or professions listed in the Commodity Exchange Act or are registered in another capacity and your advice is solely incidental to your principal business or profession.

A CTA is required to file the following:

• A completed online Form 7-R.
  
• A completed online Form 8-R, fingerprint card and fee of $85 for each individual principal. Fingerprint card and fee are not required if such person is currently registered with the CFTC in any capacity or is listed as a principal of a current CFTC registrant.
  
• Individual principals and branch office managers who are applying for registration as an associated person must satisfy all applicable filing requirements. Also, for each branch manager proof of passage of the futures branch office manager examination (Series 30) or sponsorship by a broker-dealer and proof of having met the branch office manager requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
  
• A non-refundable registration fee of $200.