The kick-off session at the April 18, Spring NIBA meeting in New York City was concentrated on Forex Transactions. The panel was sponsored by the CME Group and included Craig LeVeille, Executive Director, FX Products, CME Group, Steven Hatzakis, Steven Joseph Hatzakis, CTA and Raphael Savrnoch, Vice-President, Business Development, Alpari US.
In the audience interactive discussion, we focused on four specific areas:
1. FX Market Developments in General
2. Challenges with both Forex OTC and Forex Futures
3. Reasons to Trade Spot FX On-Exchange
4. Reasons to Trade FX Off-Exchange
The panel reported results of recent surveys which indicate that Spot Forex appears to be the most popular and fastest growing segment of foreign exchange. Spot FX on-exchange offers the reputation and creditworthiness of an exchanged-traded product, while off-exchange FX can provide the customized contract sizes and competitive pricing desired by some traders.
From either point of view, the point and audience agreed that changing and updated regulation is a challenge to our US business models for FX transactions, but could have a positive impact long term overall. NFA regulations regarding increased capital requirements and other reporting are welcome and will help ensure an IB’s customers are treated fairly in these markets. CFTC surveillance regarding Forex trading in general is high as it continues take action against schemes and manipulation to safeguard customer transactions.
This session was only the second time NIBA addressed Forex from all perspectives at a member meeting. The session was very well attended and lively - a great success.
For more information and to continue the conversation, contact any panelist:
Craig LeVeille, Craig.LeVeille@cmegroup.com
Steven Hatzakis, shatzakis@gmail.com
Raphael Savrnoch, raphael.savrnoch@alpari-us.com
