17 CFR 171.34 – Standards of review
(a) Disciplinary actions. In reviewing a final decision of the National Futures Association in a disciplinary action, the Commission shall affirm the order of the National Futures Association, unless the Commission finds that:
Terms Used In 17 CFR 171.34
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
(1) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with fundamental fairness;
(2) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with the rules of the National Futures Association;
(3) The weight of the evidence does not support the findings of the National Futures Association concerning the relevant acts or practices engaged in or omitted;
(4) The determination that the acts or practices engaged in or omitted violated rules of the National Futures Association does not rest on a reasonable interpretation of the rules at issue;
(5) The National Futures Association’s application of its rules is not consistent with the purposes of the Act;
(6) The National Futures Association’s choice of sanction is excessive or oppressive in light of the violations found having due regard for the public interest.
(b) Membership denial actions. In reviewing a final decision of the National Futures Association in a membership denial action, the Commission shall affirm the order of the National Futures Association, unless the Commission finds that:
(1) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with fundamental fairness;
(2) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with the rules of the National Futures Association;
(3) The weight of the evidence does not support the findings made or adopted in the final decision;
(4) The conclusion of the National Futures Association is not consistent with the purposes of the Act.
(c) Registration actions. In reviewing a decision of the National Futures Association in a registration action, the Commission shall affirm the order of the National Futures Association unless the Commission finds that:
(1) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with fundamental fairness;
(2) The proceedings were not conducted in a manner consistent with the rules of the National Futures Association;
(3) The weight of the evidence does not support the findings made or adopted in the final decision;
(4) The conclusion of the National Futures Association is not consistent with the purposes of the Act.