The February 2012 CFTC rule amendments implementing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act raised many questions concerning the obligations of fund of fund operators and family offices to register as commodity pool operators (CPOs) with the CFTC, particularly in light of the rescission of the Rule 4.13(a)(4) registration exemption relied upon by many fund of fund operators and family offices.  Recognizing that many fund of fund operators and family offices may need to register as CPOs with the CFTC by December 31, 2012, on November 29, 2012, the Division of Swap Intermediary Oversight (Division) of the CFTC issued two no-action letters, one granting temporary relief from CPO registration for operators of funds of funds and one granting permanent no-action relief for family offices.  However, the relief for fund of fund operators and family offices is not self-executing as potential claimants must make an electronic notice filing with the CFTC and satisfy other conditions to claim the relief.  This article outlines the relief granted by the Division in its no-action letters and the conditions that fund of fund operators and family offices must satisfy to claim such relief.  See also “Practising Law Institute Panel Discusses Sweeping Regulatory Changes for Hedge Fund Managers That Trade Swaps,” Hedge Fund Law Report, Vol. 5, No. 45 (Nov. 29, 2012).