I'm sure that many of us in the futures industry are happy to see 2011 fade into the past. The MF Global failure and bankruptcy has caused much suffering and hardship for both brokers and clients alike. Unresolved issues surrounding the sovereign debt crisis and bank deleveraging along with and an increasing burdensome regulatory climate added to a challenging year. However, the new-year welcomes us with the same overhanging issues and specter of uncertainty and more challenging times ahead.
It is at times such as this that the light shines bright on the benefits of your membership in the NIBA. The association took immediate action on behalf of the NIBA community in response to the MF Global situation. Our longtime legal advisors attended and participated in all court and trustee proceedings, we created a MF Global Update column on our website, and are working with other industry participants to work for changes to prevent this type of tragedy from ever happening again.
Since 1991 the NIBA has been a respected force and voice in the industry ensuring that our member’s opinions and rights are represented when regulators enact policy and rules that affect the IB community’s way of conducting business and its livelihood. But, just as important in my opinion, the NIBA really is a close knit community providing a forum to build personal relationships which allow you to share ideas and concerns, seek knowledge, and exchange strategies with other industry professionals.
- Look for your 2012 membership packages in the mail within the next few days. We invite and encourage you to join or renew your membership online.
Membership is open to:
- Introducing Brokers
- Commodity Trading Advisors
- Associated Persons
- FCMs
- Exchanges
- Service Providers
To effect change in the industry, the IB community needs to be united, informed, and show strength in numbers. It is through your membership in the NIBA that you can have your voice heard and accomplish together what apart we cannot. Add your voice to the conversation and keep the lines of communication open.
I hope to see and talk with many of you at our bi-annual membership meeting being held on April 18th at the NYMEX Building in New York City. If you have any questions about membership email me at jjensen@heritagewestfutures.com or call 800-263-3004.
Regards,
John C. Jensen
President / Membership Chairman
