The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued a letter informing the North American Derivatives Exchange (NADEX) that it has commenced a 90-day review of NADEX’s proposed political event derivatives contracts. The review is based on the possibility that these contracts may involve, among other issues, “gaming or an activity that is unlawful under any State or Federal law.”

The Commission requested that NADEX suspend the listing and trading of its proposed contracts during the review period.

The CFTC has posted NADEX’s submission on its website and is seeking public comment on the proposal during a 30-day comment period. In addition, the Commission is seeking public comment on specific questions related to political event contracts to assist in its evaluation of NADEX’s submission.

The 30-day public comment period ends on 4 February, 2012, and the Commission’s 90-day review period ends on 2 April, 2012.