Actually, a better analogy would be a USDA/FDA inspector can not buy food at a farmer's market.
But yeah... it does seem a little odd. I wonder if it's the same with SEC employees and stocks? Don't think it is.
Now if you are registered as a broker, RIA, etc. with Series whatever license with the SEC/NASD, I know that you have to tell your broker this, and they wind up charging you a higher rate for commissions and live data feed.
I work in a casino and am not allowed to gamble there or at any other casino withn the group. The reason is potential conflict of interest. It means a whole raft of potential problems are avoided. My guess is the CFTC has a similar rationale. It avoids any risk of impropiety and loss of confidence by the public in the institution that could potentialy arise.
