Thank you to DePaul University for another hugely successful joint symposium. This marks the 5th year NIBA has partnered with DePaul University to present an afternoon of education and networking for our members — and another standing-room-only event. This year’s topics included blockchain, NFA-audit triggers, new AML requirements, implementation of GDPR and changes to cyber-security regulations. The highlight of the meeting was an intimate and very informative armchair chat featuring Leo Melamed, pioneer of financial futures and Chairman Emeritus of CME Group. Big thanks also to the Joint NIBA/DePaul Symposium Committee. The 2018 event committee included: – Tom Sandy, Chairman…...

On August  13, the CFTC granted no-action and issued a no-action letter regarding certain FASB changes set to take effect as early as December 15, 2018 for certain IIBs, FCMs and other CFTC-registrants that are broker-dealers. The Lease Accounting Update as proposed would have resulted in a decrease in regulatory capital as compared to the current accounting treatment. NIBA submitted a request for no-action to the CFTC on this item in March. SIFMA and the FIA also submitted documentation. In support of our request, we noted that the Lease Accounting Update is purely a matter of accounting that does not…...

CME Group has posted the latest edition of The Complete IB Handbook on its website at cmegroup.com/ibhandbook, written by Melinda Schramm, Founder & Chairman of the NIBA. Melinda has written the definitive guide on how to become an Introducing Broker and the state of the IB community today. If you want to open your own shop, if you need an attorney or accountant or if you’re preparing for your first audit —  this is the book for you. Based, in large part, on the responses received as a result of the survey of the IB community conducted by Melinda and…...

In 8 BC, the eighth month of the year was named for Augustus Caesar, emperor of Rome, in honor of his several great battle triumphs, including the conquest of Egypt. August is “Happiness Happens Month,” in the U.S., a month-long celebration of sharing happy news. For a good start to NIBA members’ “happy month,” CFTC has notified NIBA it has issued a no-action letter in response to our request submitted in March with regard to the changing FASB rules. Those rules would have had substantial effect on IIBs and FCMs. NIBA requested relief in behalf of its IB members, and…...

Video of NIBAs annual spring NYC conference is available online for those who were unable to attend in person.  Sessions included Marketing, Cryptocurrency, Quant Essentials and Compliance Clips.  Please use the link below to enjoy the videos at your convenience. NYC Conference Videos...

This new 4-part on-demand webinar series gives you the insights you want and a better understanding about trading liquid interest rate futures markets. Enjoy instructor-led education at your convenience. The series includes: Treasury Futures 1.0: Understanding the delivery process, basis, carry, net basis and cheapest-to-deliver (CTD) mean. Treasury Futures 2.0: A deeper dive into basis trading, how to use Treasury futures for duration adjustment, and applying futures for yield curve management. STIR Futures 1.0: Everything you need to know about the new 3-month SOFR, fixed nature of basis point value (BPV); contract specifications and the underlying market/index. STIR Futures 2.0:…...

July was named by the Roman Senate in honor of Roman general Julius Caesar, the politician who played a critical role in the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of Roman Empire. “Dog days” occur in early July, and refer to the time of year when the hot sultry weather of summer usually starts. In the U.S., we celebrate National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month throughout July. On July 18 and 19, LabCFTC will hold Office Hours at the NYC office of the CFTC focused on FinTech innovation. LabCFTC was designed to give the CFTC…...

Agricultural data have been around for almost as long as there have been markets, but the type of data and the amount have changed over time. Whether its data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, satellite data that forecast weather or growing conditions, or any of the many daily, weekly or monthly reports, market participants sort through reems of information to give them insight on the market. Ken Morrison, editor of Morrison on the Markets newsletter, says he uses several types of market data to help confirm (or contradict) information he gathers from his contacts, helping him make decisions. A…...

Educational Course: About Managed Futures Since the advent of investing, participants have always faced a dilemma: where, among the many asset classes, should an investor allocate their money. Layered on top of this important question are additional challenges facing the investor, like where to find global diversification, liquidity, non-correlation, transparency, and long and short strategies. Very few investments encompass all of these features, illustrated in figure 1 below. But managed futures satisfy many, if not all, of the prerequisites an investor needs. View Educational Course....