Madoff affair prompts discussions about regulatory changes

The alleged $50 billion scandal by Bernard Madoff is renewing talks about a merger between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as well as discussions about a self-regulatory organization. 


The SRO proposal's prospects are unclear, according to lobbyists. "It's too early to say if it will get traction and how far it will get," said Travis Larson, a spokesman for SIFMA. The SEC-CFTC merger, on the other hand, has the support of financial-industry groups. "We have called loudly and for some time for the merger of the SEC and CFTC," Larson said. "It makes regulatory sense."

more at

http://www.pionline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090112/PRINTSUB/901109970/1031