Information Request Questionnaire
Your Name & NFA #
John Alan Vassallo 221551
How long have you personally been in the futures industry?
25 years
Your 3-sentence Bio:
Began working on the NYMEX floor in 1989; moved back to my home town, Dallas, TX, in 1990 to found my IB, Coquest which focuses on energy trading/hedging and managed futures. We now include an OTC brokerage company and a portion of Mega Capital, an IIB focused on managed futures.
Your Disciplinary History, if any:
None.
Professional associations or Industry activities:
I have served on the NFA Board for 10 years; NFA arbitrator; NIBA board; Preston National Bank, Dallas board 12 years; IB Advisory Committee; Episcopal School of Dallas Board, IPI (Institute for Private Investors)
What do you believe is your greatest personal achievement?
In partnership with my wife, our twins - now 10 years old.
What do you believe is your greatest professional achievement?
Starting, building and maintaining, with my partner, Dennis Weinmann, a company that has evolved with the changing industry and our customers’ needs for over 23 years.
Your Firm Name, NFA #, and your Title:
Coquest Inc. 232575, President; Mega Capital 278286, Owner
How long has your firm been registered?
Coquest, 1990, Mega Capital, 1997
Is your firm a member of the NIBA?
Yes, since 1997.
Describe your IIB’s business in 3-sentences:
We are a 15-person firm headquartered since 1990 in Dallas, TX with branch offices located in Chicago, IL, Washington DC, and New York, Coquest provides energy risk management services for companies of all sizes. Mega offers managed futures products to high net worth individuals and family offices.
Your Firm’s Disciplinary History, if any:
None.
Please answer each of the following in 2-sentences or less.
What is the NFA’s most important job in the coming year?
I believe we are still in a period of disappointment, anger and confusion following the unprecedented events of the past year. The NFA must re-examine every area of it’s responsibility - customer and registrant protections, audits and FCM regulation, and respond promptly with practical regulation that IBs can understand, implement and afford.
Why do you want to be on the NFA Board of Directors?
I still agree with the opinion of the majority of NIBA members, who told me ten years ago when I ran for my first term, the IB community needs informed, consistent representation. There are many issues currently pending, and I want to continue working for reforms without losing valuable time while learning for the first time how the NFA processes work, or adjusting to representing the entire IB community, not just individual, personal interests.
Why should NIBA members vote for you?
I believe the futures industry is becoming more complex from a regulatory standpoint, and I think that my experiences, which includes floor trading, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor and pool operator, OTC brokerage and service on the NFA Board, means I can contribute and be influential. I’ve spoken with many IBs through the years, and I continue to be “on call” for all of you whenever you have industry concerns.
