Dear NIBA Members and Supports,
Year 2011 marks the 20th Anniversary of the NIBA. Since 1991 we have held over 35 membership meetings. Every meeting is planned with input from our members, which includes suggestions for topics and speakers.
The number one topic suggested is a discussion and update of CFTC and NFA rules and regulations. Most IBs and CTAs feel they get little, if any, advanced warning from their clearing FCMs and others when rules which affect their business are changed or enacted. Even those IBs and CTAs who regularly check the agencies’ websites, generally have to sort through numerous proposals which only apply to FCMs or hedge fund operators or other registration categories or processes.
Rules, regulation and compliance issues are a part of every NIBA meeting. Year after year our IB, CTA and AP members say they rely on the NIBA twice-annual programs for easy-to-understand presentation and no-nonsense implementation of CFTC and NFA proposals and enacted rules. The NFA is always included in the sessions, and very often a representative of the CFTC is a member of the panel discussions. Compliance Officers from every firm are always welcome to NIBA membership programs on a complimentary basis.
Over the years, the focus of the NIBA rules and regulations session has changed. Topics have included surprise audits, registration of hedge-to-arrive entities, membership fee amounts, readiness for Y2K, forex registration and transitioning to electronic filing. This year’s emphasis is on CFTC proposed rules in response to the Dodd-Frank Act, and how they will affect our membership.
Of course, NIBA membership meetings also include business sessions developed to help you generate revenue whether you handle managed futures, broker-assisted accounts or options or forex. And there is plenty of time for networking with your colleagues.
The NIBA Sales and Marketing Meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2011 at the UBS Center in Chicago. Last year there were over 225 registered for this meeting. Please take a minute to register now.
Email me any suggestions or comments about the upcoming program at Melinda@futuresrep.com. I’m looking forward to seeing each of you in Chicago.
Warm regards, Melinda
