Being a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) requires more than just a successful trading program. Too often, young CTAs fail by focusing entirely on trading returns while neglecting business and operational requirements that are necessary to become a viable, long-term enterprise. Others struggle because they have not adequately addressed issues that are of great importance to potential investors. In light of this, CME Group has created this guidance document, Issues and Insights for Starting a CTA Business, in order to help our clients grow and thrive.

This guide is not a comprehensive listing of everything a CTA needs to know, but it will help identify necessary items and often overlooked issues. It is organized into three sections: Business and Operations, Compliance, and Trading and Risk Management. Each section addresses various items and issues that all CTAs should consider to ensure that they start off on solid footing.