The NIBAs annual spring NYC conference was a great success.  If you were not able to attend or if you would like to refresh some of the sessions please have a look at the conference videos.  The videos can be found at the link below NYC Spring 2019 Conference Videos

“You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you might not get there.” — Yogi Berra Almost everything in life has its corresponding Yogism. The NIBA/DePaul Symposiums are no different, as over the past six years the Symposium has offered a forum to ponder as an industry where we have been, where we are now and where we are going. The 2019 symposium will continue that tradition, as we try to figure out which way we’re headed so we know when we get there. If to know where we are going we have…

On May 16, NFA held their Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Reception in Washington DC. I was asked to represent the NIBA. At the board meeting, the NFA reviewed its budget and goals for the year. Maybe more importantly to NIBA members, the board approved the amendments to the NFA interpretative notice addressing Rule 2-9 Supervision of Branch Offices and GIBs. In early March, NFA staff met with NIBA board member Steve Petillo and myself to discuss the updating of this policy, and to learn the opinions of our members.The final notice reflects that conversation resulting in a more…

June – National Smile Month Take Your Dog to Work Day (June 21) The U.S. Senate confirmed by an 85-9 voice vote on June 6, Heath Tarbert as incoming chairman of the CFTC, replacing current chairman Chris Giancarlo. Tarbert is a member of the Financial Stability Board, the international body established after the financial crisis to monitor global markets. He clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas prior to serving as Assistant Secretary for International Markets in the current administration. At 42 years old, he is one of the youngest chairman to ever serve. NIBA has a good relationship with…

July is right around the corner and the DePaul symposium committee has been working hard to deliver an outstanding program once again this year.  Check the website for updates and for the full agenda to be announced in the coming weeks. Topics will include: “The State of Managed Business”  “Issue Briefings” on Regulation, Marketing and Product “Armchair chat with an industry Icon” Registration is now open and is filling up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today! We greatly appreciate the support of our event sponsors:

In conjunction with the Chicago Bar Association’s Futures & Derivatives Law Committee, Financial and Emerging Technology Committee and Regulatory & Compliance Committee, Mayer Brown invites you to a fireside chat with Leo Melamed, Chairman Emeritus of the CME Group. CLE credit will be provided. Thursday, May 23, 2019 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Program 4:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception Location Mayer Brown 71 South Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 +1 312 782 0600 Register HERE

U.S.-China Trade War: The Perils of Escalation Any failure of the US and China to amicably resolve their festering trade war could have serious consequences for the world’s two largest economies. Click Here for Full Article  

by Melinda Schramm Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the annual meeting of the Association of Futures Markets (AFM). AFM is trade association open to exchanges, clearing houses, traders and other industry participants whose objective is to promote and encourage the establishment of new derivative and related markets. AFM accomplishes its mission through international conferences at which members strengthens their relationships by sharing information and experiences. Speakers at last week’s meeting included Dr. Richard Sandor, Leo Melamed, John Lothian, Terry Duffy and myself. Topics ranged from the changing landscape of derivatives to FinTech in the exchange space.…

Our DePaul University annual joint symposium is always standing-room-only–make your reservations today. This year’s program includes: • Armchair chat with an industry icon • The state of Managed Business • Issue Briefings – three 15-min presentation on the hottest topics in: 1. Regulation – The NFA 2. Marketing – 16Wells 3. Product – CME Group Of course, there will be plenty of time for networking and catching-up with old friends and colleagues throughout the afternoon and at the closing reception on the outdoor terrace at DePaul’s downtown Chicago campus. Registration is open now. Questions, suggestions – John Roe, event chair,…

May – National Burger Month Mint Juleps NIBA welcomes new members TriNet and Coquest Advisors, LLC, both in the Service Provider category. May has proven to be a busy month — micro e-mini futures launched at the CME Group and appear to be well received. ICE Futures US announced it will begin trading Bakkt-developed bitcoin futures in mid-summer. During the month several notable market commented on the state and future of the industry, including with regard to cybersecurity and competition: – Louis Rosato, BlackRock Investment Operations Group at SIFMA in Boca Raton, FL, “optimal cybersecurity comes from combining human ingenuity…