Linked below is an article written by Energy Metro Desk editor-in-chief John Sodergreen entitled, "Around the Desk," which focuses on recent regulatory topics, such as the CFTC position limits proposal and the ICE's 64 new energy contracts. Additionally, the article discusses the oil market price manipulation suit brought by NYMEX floor traders against oil merchants, Commissioner Bart Chilton's departure from the CFTC, a new Office of Management and Budget report on the relative damage caused by the federal shutdown, and who might be tagged as the new Chairperson of the CFTC. Click here to

The European Securities and Markets Authority ("ESMA") published an updated version of its "Question and Answers" document ("Q&A") with a new question regarding the reporting of market-to-market value. The ESMA Q&A is intended to provide common supervisory approaches and practices in the application of European Market Infrastructure Regulation ("EMIR"). The questions are organized around three major topics: OTC issues generally, central counterparties and trade repositories. Lofchie Comment: The questions and answers document raises lots of interesting new questions for firms that are subject

The Alternative Investment Management Association ("AIMA") announced that Jack Inglis will be the organization's new CEO. Mr. Inglis will assume his role in the beginning of 2014. See: AIMA Press Release.

The SEC Division of Investment Management issued a no-action letter to Main Street Capital Corporation ("Parent Company"), a business development company, in response to its request, pursuant to Investment Company Act Section 12(d)(3) ("Functions and Activities of Investment Companies"), to allow its wholly-owned subsidiary to register as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The subsidiary would, among other things, provide investment advisory services to the Parent Company. See: SEC No-Action Letter; Main Street Capital Request for No-Action.

The SEC announced the appointment of LeeAnn Ghazil Gaunt as chief of the Enforcement Division's Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit. Ms. Gaunt has worked in the specialized unit since its inception in 2010, and supervised the agency's first pay-to-play enforcement action for "in-kind" political campaign contributions in September 2012. Ms. Gaunt previously worked in the SEC's Boston Regional Office for 13 years, and was in private practice in Boston prior to joining the SEC. See: SEC Press Release.