Comment Text:
There is no good reason to allow vertical integration. This consolidation of power, under the not so watchful eye of the CFTC (among other parties) will allow a select handful of companies to recreate a similar setup that was run by FTX.
I only see immense fraudulent behaviors from one party deemed exchange, clearing house, and broker. No government agency has the manpower nor budget to guarantee American household investors and foreign investors that no cross communication is occuring, nor are the three departments colluding in secret. This is especially true of the CFTC.
If the CFTC allows vertical integration in this current environment, then they should be held liable, accountable, and be disbanded, for they no longer hold the free and fair market best interests at heart.
Do not authorize vertical integration. Not now, not ever.
