Arbitrator Update

September 2009 Issue

Table of Contents:

Arbitrator Profile: Ron Filler

New Arbitrator Online Profile System Now Available

NFA Launches New Pre-Hearing Call Training Module

Staffing Update

Claims on the Rise

Welcome

Welcome to the first electronic edition of NFA's Arbitrator Update! Because many of our arbitrators have expressed a preference to receive correspondence from NFA electronically, we have decided to begin issuing our bi-annual Arbitrator Update in an electronic format. As a result, we will no longer publish hard copies of the Arbitrator Update. Instead, NFA will email the update to you. You can also access current and past issues of the Arbitrator Update on NFA's website.

Arbitrator Profile: Ron Filler

Though he is heading off to London for two weeks to teach a law class abroad, Ron Filler, Professor of Law at New York Law School, still made time to share some of his insights with NFA. Ron began his career in the futures industry as a lawyer around the time that the CFTC was established. He then went into private practice, became an in-house counsel and eventually formed his own FCM and CPO. While working in the industry, Ron was appointed to the Board of Directors for NFA. It was this experience that eventually led him to NFA Arbitration. Prior to serving as an NFA arbitrator, Ron had also served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Currently, Ron is on the roster for both NFA and FINRA.

Ron has been an active arbitrator since the inception of NFA's arbitration program. During that time, he has served on over a dozen cases, and says his favorite role is Panel chairperson. As chairperson, Ron recognizes the importance of striking the right balance between a party's procedural rights and running an efficient hearing. Above all though, Ron focuses on fairness and making sure each party believes he or she had the opportunity to fully present their case. To facilitate this process, Ron encourages the parties to focus on arguing the evidence rather than just arguing with one another. In Ron's opinion, listening is one of the most important skills for an arbitrator. He also suggests arbitrators work closely with NFA staff and thinks this is of particular importance for newer arbitrators.

Given Ron's extensive experience in the futures industry, it's not surprising that he feels comfortable reading a futures account statement to identify the trades at issue in a case. He believes his background in the industry makes it easier for him to understand more complicated and complex transactions, and ultimately, the issues in the case.

After a successful career in the futures industry, Ron believes it is important to give back to an industry that has been so good to him. "When you've been rewarded, you give back," said Ron, when explaining why he continues to serve as an NFA arbitrator. In addition to serving as an NFA arbitrator, Ron is equally philanthropic with his alma mater, University of Illinois. He currently sponsors several scholarships at the school, and asks the recipients of those scholarships to be cognizant of the importance of volunteerism and giving back.

Between NFA arbitration, a full time professorship, and actively participating in various industry functions, you might wonder if Ron could possibly fit anything else into his busy schedule. When asked that question, Ron was able to quickly answer-"golf." In fact, just recently, Ron hit his first hole-in-one.

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New Arbitrator Online Profile System Now Available

In response to frequent Arbitrator requests that NFA allow for electronic updates to the profile form, the Arbitration Department recently rolled out its newly developed Online Profile System. The system allows both new and current arbitrators to complete a profile form online. In the past, arbitrators had to download, print and mail the profile and regulatory questionnaire to NFA. Now you can access your profile through NFA's new website and update it electronically. This streamlined process is more efficient, easy to use and helps ensure NFA has the most up-to-date information on its arbitrators. We encourage all of our arbitrators to take advantage of this new technology!

NFA Launches New Pre-Hearing Call Training Module

Staffing Update

At the beginning of July 2009, Kate Mullen joined the Arbitration Department as a Case Administrator I. Prior to coming to NFA, Kate worked for Futures magazine as the Office Manager and Sales & Editorial Assistant. While at Futures, she took graduate courses at Loyola University Chicago and obtained her Paralegal Certificate. You can contact Kate at 312-781-1880 or by email at kmullen@nfa.futures.org.

On October 15, 2009, Elizabeth Sheridan, the manager of the Arbitration Department, will become a staff attorney in NFA's General Counsel's office. Christine Roche will take over as manager of the Arbitration Department. Christine spent 15 years in NFA's Compliance Department before joining the Arbitration Department in 2008. You can contact Ms. Sheridan at 312-781-1479 or esheridan@nfa.futures.org and Ms. Roche at 312-781-1562 or croche@nfa.futures.org.

Claims on the Rise