Print
Home NFA Rulebook Rules

Search NFA Rulebook

Member Arbitration Rules

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; March 1, 2002; September 9, 2002 and June 5, 2007.]

As used in these Rules:

(a) "Aggregate Claim" - means an Arbitration Claim plus any counterclaim, cross-claim and third-party claim filed in the same matter under these Rules.

(b) "Arbitration Claim" - means a claim filed by a person instituting the Arbitration proceeding.

(c) "Associate" - means a person who is registered with NFA as an Associate or was so registered when the acts or transactions that are the subject of the dispute occurred. (Under NFA Bylaws every person who is associated with a Member within the meaning of the term "associated person" as used in Section 4k of the Commodity Exchange Act, and who is required to be registered as such with the Commission, must register with NFA as an Associate.)

(d) "Claim" - means an Arbitration Claim, counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim filed under these Rules.

(e) "Claimant" - means a person making a proper and timely claim under these Rules.

(f) "Commission" - means the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

(g) "Contract Market" - means an exchange designated by the Commission as a contract market in one or more commodities.

(h) "Cross-claim" - means a claim filed by one Respondent against a co-Respondent.

(i) "Hearings" - includes both oral hearing and summary proceedings, unless otherwise specified.

(j) "Member" - means a Member of NFA other than a contract market or a person that was a Member (other than a contract market) at the time the acts or transactions that are the subject of the dispute occurred.

(k) "NFA" - means National Futures Association.

(l) "Panel" - means the arbitration panel selected pursuant to Section 3 of these Rules.

(m) "Person" - includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, associations and other entities.

(n) "Pleading" - means an Arbitration Claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party claim, Answer or Reply filed under these Rules.

(o) "President" - means the President of NFA.

(p) "Respondent" - means a person against whom a claim is asserted under these Rules.

(q) "Secretary" - means the Secretary of NFA.

(r) "Self-regulatory organization" - means a contract market, a registered national securities exchange, or a registered national securities association.

(s) "Third-party Claim" - means a claim filed by a Respondent against a person not a party to the action.

SECTION 2. ARBITRABLE DISPUTES.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; December 12, 1995; September 1, 1999; March 1, 2002 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Claims between Members.
Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 of these Rules with respect to timeliness requirements, disputes between and among Members shall be arbitrated under these Rules unless:

    (1) the parties, by valid and binding agreement, have committed themselves to the resolution of such dispute in a forum other than NFA;

    (2) the parties to such dispute are all required by the rules of another self-regulatory organization to submit the controversy to the settlement procedures of that self-regulatory organization;

    (3) all parties to the dispute are members of a contract market which has jurisdiction over the dispute;

    (4) one of the parties to the dispute is a party to a dispute pending in another forum and files a cross-claim or third-party claim in that forum. The cross-claim or third-party claim must arise out of an act or transaction that is the subject of the claim pending in that forum; or

    (5) at the election of the Member with the claim, the Member respondent is no longer an NFA Member.

(b) Claims between Members and Associates.
Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 of these Rules with respect to timeliness requirements, disputes between Members and Associates and between Associates shall be arbitrated under these Rules, at the election of the person filing the claim, unless:

    (1) the parties, by valid and binding agreement, have committed themselves to the resolution of such dispute in a forum other than NFA;

    (2) the parties to such dispute are all required by the rules of another self-regulatory organization to submit the controversy to the settlement procedures of that self-regulatory organization; or

    (3) all parties to the dispute are members of a contract market which has jurisdiction over the dispute.

Once a claim is filed, arbitration is mandatory for the Member or Associate the claim is against.

(c) Counterclaims, Cross-claims and Third-party Claims.
Except as provided in Sections 4 and 5 of these Rules with respect to timeliness requirements, a counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim must be asserted in an arbitration brought under paragraph (a) above and may be asserted in an arbitration brought under paragraph (b) above if the counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim arises out of an act or transaction that is the subject of the Arbitration Claim.

SECTION 3. ARBITRATION PANEL.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; June 23, 1997; September 1, 1999; May 1, 2001; October 1, 2009 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Appointment of Panel.

Except as provided under Section 7(e) of the Rules, NFA shall conduct all arbitration proceedings under these Rules before an arbitration Panel consisting of the following:

  1. Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $250,000, NFA shall appoint one arbitrator. However, if the aggregate amount of the claim exceeds $50,000 but is not more than $250,000, NFA shall appoint three arbitrators if all parties serve a written request on NFA for three arbitrators by no later than 30 days after the last pleading is due and remit the appropriate fee as set forth under 11(a)(3)(iii) or the sole arbitrator asks NFA to appoint two additional arbitrators.

  2. Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $250,000, NFA shall appoint three arbitrators.

All arbitration Panels shall be appointed by the Secretary and consist of individuals who are NFA Members or individuals connected therewith (one such Member or individual designated as Panel Chairperson).

(b) Disclosures Required.

Prior to being appointed to the Panel, each arbitrator under consideration shall disclose to NFA any circumstances that might prevent the arbitrator from acting impartially.

(c) Appointment of Panel; Disclosure and Challenge.

The Secretary shall thereupon appoint, pursuant to Section 3(a), an arbitration Panel to resolve the dispute. No arbitrator shall have acted as the mediator in the same dispute. NFA shall promptly notify the parties of each arbitrator's name, business affiliations, and other relevant information. Any objection of a party to such appointment shall be specific and for cause and submitted to NFA in written form. Each party or their representative shall disclose to NFA any circumstances likely to affect an arbitrator's impartiality, including any bias or financial interest in the result of the arbitration or any past or present relationship with the arbitrator. Any party who fails to disclose such information shall be deemed to have waived any objection to that arbitrator based on such information. Each arbitrator appointed shall disclose to NFA any circumstances likely to affect impartiality, including any bias or any financial interest in the result of the arbitration or any past or present relationship with the parties or their representatives. Upon receipt of such information from an arbitrator or other source, NFA shall communicate such information to the parties, and if NFA deems it appropriate to do so, to the Panel and others. Thereafter, NFA shall determine whether the arbitrator should be disqualified and shall inform the parties of the decision, which shall be conclusive.

(d) Arbitrator's Oath.

Before proceeding with the hearing, each arbitrator shall execute an oath whereby the arbitrator promises to faithfully and fairly determine the matter before the Panel.

(e) Replacement.

If an arbitrator become ineligible or otherwise unable to serve on the Panel, the Secretary shall (unless the parties request otherwise) appoint a replacement to the Panel. In the event an arbitrator is excused or recuses himself after the commencement of the hearing because a party failed to disclose information which may be grounds for objecting to the arbitrator, the party withholding the information shall be deemed to have waived his right to object to proceeding with the remaining two arbitrators. If a replacement is appointed after the commencement of the hearing, the Panel shall determine whether all or any part of any prior hearing sessions shall be repeated.

(f) Ex Parte Contacts.

No party to the arbitration, or any representative thereof, shall communicate with any Panel member regarding the arbitration, other than inquiries concerning the status thereof, except at the oral hearing or in writing on notice to the other parties.

SECTION 4. TIME PERIOD FOR ARBITRATION.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: March 24, 1994; June 7, 1996; June 23, 1997; March 1, 2002 and December 15, 2003.]

No Arbitration Claim may be arbitrated under these Rules unless an Arbitration Claim or notice of intent to arbitrate (See Sections 5(a) and (c) below) is received by NFA within two years from the date when the party filing the Arbitration Claim knew or should have known of the act or transaction that is the subject of the controversy. No counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim may be arbitrated under these Rules unless it is received by NFA within two years from the date when the party asserting the counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim knew or should have known of the act or transaction that is the subject of the counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim or it is served on NFA with a timely filed Answer, whichever is later. NFA shall reject any claim that is not timely filed. If, in the course of any arbitration, the Panel determines that the requirements of this section have not been met as to a particular claim, the Panel shall thereupon terminate the arbitration of the claim without decision or award.

SECTION 5. INITIATION OF ARBITRATION.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; March 12, 1996; June 7, 1996; June 23, 1997; June 1, 1999; March 1, 2002; December 15, 2003; June 13, 2005; June 5, 2007; October 18, 2010 and October 6, 2020.]

An arbitration proceeding under these Rules shall be initiated as follows:

(a) Notice of Intent to Arbitrate.

If the two-year time limit under Section 4 of these Rules is close to expiring, a person wanting to file an Arbitration Claim may notify NFA, either in writing or orally, of such person's intent to arbitrate. NFA shall maintain a record of the receipt of each such notice and shall promptly provide such person with a copy of these Rules and an Arbitration Claim form.

(b) Arbitration Claim Pursuant to a Notice of Intent to Arbitrate.

If a person who files a notice of intent to arbitrate decides to proceed with NFA arbitration, such person shall, within 35 days after the date NFA provided the person with a copy of the Rules and an Arbitration Claim form under Section 5(a) above, serve a completed Arbitration Claim on NFA.

(c) Arbitration Claim.

NFA shall promptly review each Arbitration Claim for completeness. Any Arbitration Claim which NFA deems to be incomplete, or which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee, shall be returned to the filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed Arbitration Claim, together with any unpaid fee, within 20 days following service by NFA. NFA shall reject any Arbitration Claim which has not been timely filed, or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid.

(d) Notice to Respondent.

    (1) NFA shall promptly serve a copy of the completed Arbitration Claim on each person named therein as a Respondent.

    (2) If a guarantee IB is named in the Arbitration Claim as a Respondent, NFA shall promptly serve a copy of the completed Arbitration Claim on the Member FCM or RFED that guaranteed the IB during the time of the acts and transactions involved in the claim. That Member FCM or RFED may intervene in the arbitration proceeding if it chooses to.

(e) Answer to an Arbitration Claim.

A Respondent shall serve its Answer on and concurrently serve a copy on the Claimant within the time period provided below. Any Member FCM or RFED served with the Arbitration Claim under Section 5(d)(2) above that wishes to intervene in the arbitration proceeding must serve an Answer and written notice of intervention on NFA and concurrently serve a on the Claimant within the time period provided below for filing the Answer. An allegation in the Arbitration Claim that is not denied in the Answer shall be deemed by the Panel to be admitted.

    (1) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the Arbitration Claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the Answer shall be served within 20 days following service of the Arbitration Claim by NFA.

    (2) Claims of more than $50,000 through $250,000. Where the Arbitration Claim amount exceeds $50,000 but is not more than $250,000, the Answer shall be served within 45 days following service of the Arbitration Claim by NFA. An arbitration service fee of $375 shall accompany each Answer. Any Answer which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee shall be returned to the filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed Answer on NFA, together with any unpaid fee, within 20 days following service by NFA. NFA shall reject any Answer for which the appropriate fee has not been paid. Each Respondent who files an Answer but does not pay the service fee will have waived its right to an oral hearing and to otherwise participate in the proceeding. However, the Panel may, for good cause shown, accept the Answer and allow the Respondent to participate.

    (3) Claims of more than $250,000. Where the Arbitration Claim amount exceeds $250,000, the Answer shall be served within 45 days following service of the Arbitration Claim by NFA. An arbitration service fee of $975 shall accompany each Answer. Any Answer which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee shall be returned to the filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed Answer on NFA, together with any unpaid fee, within 20 days following service by NFA. NFA shall reject any Answer for which the appropriate fee has not been paid. Each Respondent who files an Answer but does not pay the service fee will have waived its right to an oral hearing and to otherwise participate in the proceeding. However, the Panel may, for good cause shown, accept the Answer and allow the Respondent to participate.

Effective May 1, 2024, the above paragraphs will read as follows:

(e) Answer to an Arbitration Claim.

    (1) A Respondent shall serve its Answer on and concurrently serve a copy on the Claimant within the time period provided below. Any Member FCM or RFED served with the Arbitration Claim under Section 5(d)(2) above that wishes to intervene in the arbitration proceeding must serve an Answer and written notice of intervention on NFA and concurrently serve a on the Claimant within the time period provided below for filing the Answer. An allegation in the Arbitration Claim that is not denied in the Answer shall be deemed by the Panel to be admitted.

      (i) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the Arbitration Claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the Answer shall be served within 20 days following service of the Arbitration Claim by NFA.

      (ii) Claims of more than $50,000. Where the Arbitration Claim amount exceeds $50,000, the Answer shall be served within 45 days following service of the Arbitration Claim by NFA.

    (2) Each named Respondent is responsible for an equal portion of the Respondent hearing fee set forth in Section 11(a), which must accompany the Respondent's Answer. In the event an Answer is filed by more than one Respondent, the hearing fee will be equal to the combined portions owed by each Respondent filing the Answer. Any Answer which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee shall be returned to each filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed Answer on NFA, together with any unpaid fee, within 20 days following service by NFA. NFA shall reject any Answer for which the appropriate fee has not been paid. Each Respondent that files an Answer but does not pay its portion of the Respondent hearing fee will have waived its right to an oral hearing or otherwise participate in the proceeding. However, the Panel may, for good cause shown, accept the Answer and allow the Respondent to participate.

      (i) NFA shall assess additional hearing fees equally against Respondent(s) filing an Answer(s) when a named Respondent does not participate in the proceeding.

(f) Counterclaim and Cross-claim.

If any counterclaim or cross-claim is asserted, the party asserting the counterclaim or cross-claim shall promptly remit the appropriate fee to NFA. (See Section 11 below.) Any counterclaim or cross-claim which NFA deems to be incomplete, or which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee, shall be returned to the filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed counterclaim or cross claim on NFA, together with any unpaid fee, within the time period provided below. NFA shall reject any counterclaim or cross-claim which has not been timely filed, or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid.

    (1) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the completed counterclaim or cross-claim shall be served within 10 days following service by NFA.

    (2) Claims of more than $50,000. Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $50,000, the completed counterclaim or cross-claim shall be served within 20 days following service by NFA.

(g) Reply to Counterclaim or Cross-claim.

The person against whom the counterclaim or cross-claim is asserted shall serve its Reply to the counterclaim or cross-claim on NFA, and concurrently serve a copy on the counterclaiming or cross-claiming Respondent within the time period provided below. Any allegation in the counterclaim or cross-claim that is not denied in the Reply shall be deemed by the Panel to be admitted.

    (1) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the Reply shall be served within 10 days from the date of service of the Answer, counterclaim or cross-claim by NFA.

    (2) Claims of more than $50,000. Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $50,000, the Reply shall be served within 35 days from the date of service of the Answer, counterclaim or cross-claim by NFA.

(h) Third-party Claim.

A Respondent may file a third-party claim against a Member or Associate under these Rules. If any third-party claim is asserted, the Respondent asserting the third-party claim shall promptly remit the appropriate fee to NFA. (See Section 11 below.) Any third-party claim, which NFA deems to be incomplete, or which is not accompanied by the appropriate fee, shall be returned to the filing party by NFA. In that event, the filing party shall serve a completed third party claim on NFA, together with any unpaid fee, within the time provided below. NFA shall reject any third-party claim which has not been timely filed, or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid.

    (1) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the completed third-party claim shall be served within 10 days following service of the incomplete third-party claim by NFA.

    (2) Claims of more than $50,000. Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $50,000, the completed third-party claim shall be served within 20 days following service of the incomplete third-party claim by NFA.

(i) Notice to Third-party Respondent.

NFA shall promptly serve a copy of the completed third-party claim on each person named therein as a Respondent, and a copy of any agreement to arbitrate.

(j) Answer to Third-party Claim.

A third-party Respondent shall serve its Answer on NFA and concurrently serve a copy on the third-party Claimant within the time period provided below. An allegation in the third-party claim that is not denied in the Answer shall be deemed by the Panel to be admitted.

    (1) Claims of $50,000 or Less. Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the Answer shall be served within 20 days following service of the third-party claim by NFA.

    (2) Claims of more than $50,000. Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $50,000, the Answer shall be served within 45 days following service of the third-party claim by NFA.

(k) Amendments to Claims.

After the appointment of a Panel, no new or different claim may be filed except with the Panel's consent, unless a Member or Associate withdraws its membership during the arbitration proceeding, then any other party may amend a claim, counter-claim, cross-claim or third-party claim against the withdrawing Member or Associate within 60 days of notification of the Member or Associate's withdrawal without the Panel's consent.

(l) Late Answer, Reply or Notice of Intervention.

NFA shall accept any Answer or Reply filed prior to the hearing. However, NFA or any party may present an objection to the Panel with regard to the timeliness of any filing. NFA will not accept a late notice of intervention unless the party filing the late notice explains in writing its reasons for the lateness and obtains the Panel's consent to file the late notice.

(m) Consolidation and Joinder.

    (1) When Arbitration Claims involving common questions of fact or arising from the same act or transaction are received by the Secretary, the Secretary may, whether or not at the request of any party, order any or all of the proceedings to be consolidated for hearing in the interest of providing a fair, equitable and expeditious procedure and may take such action concerning the proceedings herein as may tend to avoid unnecessary or unreasonable delay.

    (2) A party may join multiple claims in a single Arbitration Claim if the claims involve common questions of fact, arise from the same act or transactions, are filed by the same person against the same Respondents (even if the person filing the Arbitration Claim is acting in different capacities) or are filed on behalf of an individual and a corporation against the same Respondents if the individual is the sole shareholder of the corporation. The Secretary may, whether or not at the request of any party, order any or all joined claims to be separated in the interest of providing a fair, equitable or expeditious procedure or to avoid unnecessary or unreasonable delay.

(n) Attestation.

Any claim, answer, counterclaim, cross-claim, reply to counterclaim or cross-claim, third-party claim, or answer to third-party claim must include the following attestation: "The undersigned certifies that, to the best of his/her knowledge, information and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry, the statements set forth in this pleading are true and correct."

SECTION 6. RIGHT TO COUNSEL.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: June 23, 1997; December 17, 1999; and June 1, 2006.]

(a) A party may be represented at any time throughout the arbitration proceeding, including a mediation proceeding, by an attorney-at-law licensed to practice law in the highest court of any state, by a family member or other person who is representing the party without compensation and who does not have an interest in the outcome of the proceeding, or by an officer, partner or employee of the party. The attorney or other representative shall serve timely notice in writing on NFA and the other parties of the name and address of any such representative. The Panel may bar from the proceeding any representative for dilatory, disruptive or contumacious conduct.

(b) A representative of a party may withdraw upon submitting to NFA an affidavit that the party represented has actual knowledge of the withdrawal or that the representative has made a good faith effort to provide such notice.

SECTION 7. PRE-HEARING.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: March 24, 1994; March 12, 1996; June 23, 1997; June 1, 1999; September 1, 1999; March 1, 2002; June 1, 2006 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Exchange of Documents and Written Information.

    (1) The parties shall cooperate, without resort to issuance of subpoenas, in the voluntary exchange of material and relevant documents and written information which may serve to facilitate a fair, equitable and expeditious hearing.

    (2) When a claim is accepted by NFA and served on each person named as a Respondent, NFA shall identify, from a list approved by NFA's Board of Directors, documents to be automatically exchanged between the parties. The parties shall exchange those documents no later than 15 days after the last pleading is due.

(3) All other requests for documents and written information shall be served as follows:

      (i) Where the aggregate claim amount does not exceed $50,000, the requesting party shall serve its requests for documents and written information on the responding party no later than 20 days after the last pleading is due. The responding party shall serve the documents and written information, including written objections, no later than 20 days after the request is due.

      (ii) Where the aggregate claim amount exceeds $50,000, the requesting party shall serve its request for documents and written information on the responding party by the requesting party no later than 30 days after the last pleading is due. The responding party shall serve the requesting party with the documents and written information, including written objections, no later than 30 days after the request is due.

    (4) Written requests to compel production of documents and written information must be served on NFA and all parties no later than 10 days after the written objections are due. Written responses to the request to compel must be served on the Secretary and all parties no later than 10 days after the request to compel was served.

    (5) A request to compel must include a written certification by the filing party or its representative. The certification must state that the filing party or its representative has made a good faith effort to resolve the matters forming the basis for the request through either a telephone conference or in-person meeting with the other party or its representative.

    (6) Unless the Panel directs otherwise, requests to compel will be decided on the written submissions of the parties.

    (7) A request to compel that is not timely filed under Section 7(a)(4) above will not be allowed except for good cause shown as to why it was late.

    (8) Evidence that is otherwise discoverable or admissible in an arbitration proceeding shall not be rendered non-discoverable or inadmissible as a result of its use in connection with a mediation proceeding. However, documents and written information in the mediator's possession are not subject to discovery and may not be subpoenaed for use in the subsequent arbitration hearing.

(b) Documents to be Introduced into Evidence.

    (1) Unless the Panel directs otherwise, each party shall serve on every other party all documents in such party's possession which the party intends to introduce into evidence at the hearing as part of its direct case and shall concurrently serve sufficient copies of the documents on NFA at least 10 days prior to the date assigned for an oral hearing.

    (2) At least 15 days before the date assigned for a summary proceeding to commence, each party shall serve on NFA sufficient copies of all documents in such party's possession which are to be submitted to the Panel as part of the party's case and shall concurrently serve copies on every other party. At least five days before the date assigned for a summary proceeding to commence, each party shall serve on NFA sufficient copies of all documents in such party's possession which are to be submitted to the Panel to rebut the documents previously served by another party and shall concurrently serve copies on every other party.

(c) Hearing Plan.

The parties shall cooperate with NFA in the formulation of a written hearing plan. A hearing plan is a written document that summarizes each claim, Answer and Reply; identifies any facts the parties have agreed to; identifies the factual and legal issues in dispute; and lists the witnesses and exhibits that will be presented at the hearing. The parties shall serve on NFA and all parties a joint hearing plan, or separate hearing plans if they cannot agree on a joint one, no later than 30 days before the oral hearing date, unless the Panel directs otherwise.

(d) Failure to Comply.

The failure of any party to comply with Sections 7(a) through 7(c) or any order of the Panel may be brought to the attention of the Panel by NFA or the party seeking such documents or information. The Panel may take such actions in regard to the failure as are just, including, among other things, the following:

    (1) finding that the matters regarding which the request was made or any other designated facts shall be taken to be established for the purpose of the action in accordance with the claim of the party making the request;

    (2) refusing to allow the nonresponsive party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses or prohibiting him from introducing designated matters in evidence; or

    (3) striking out pleadings or portions thereof, staying further proceedings until the nonresponsive party complies with the request, dismissing the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or rendering an award by default against the nonresponsive party; or

    (4) refusing to hear the testimony of any witness or to accept any document into evidence if the witness or document was not listed in the hearing plan.

(e) Motions for Emergency Relief.

    (1) A motion for emergency relief may be filed with an Arbitration Claim or at any time after a Demand is filed. The motion should include a statement explaining why emergency relief is needed and indicate the party or parties against whom the relief is sought. The party filing the motion shall pay a non-refundable fee of $500 and a hearing fee of $675 when filing the motion.

    Effective May 1, 2024, the above paragraph will read as follows:

    (1) A motion for emergency relief may be filed with an Arbitration Claim or at any time after a Demand is filed. The motion should include a statement explaining why emergency relief is needed and indicate the party or parties against whom the relief is sought. The party filing the motion shall pay a non-refundable fee of $500 and a hearing fee of $725 when filing the motion.

    (2) The party filing the motion shall concurrently serve a copy of the motion on the party against whom relief is sought. NFA shall schedule a hearing on the motion no later than five business days after the motion is received by NFA. A party against whom relief is sought may serve a written response on NFA and the other party at or before the hearing. Service under this section must be accomplished by hand delivery or by use of a generally recognized overnight delivery service.

    (3) One arbitrator will decide a motion for emergency relief unless NFA or the arbitrator directs otherwise. The arbitrator or arbitrators deciding the motion for emergency relief may be different from the arbitrator or arbitrators who are assigned to hear the Arbitration Claim.

    (4) When the hearing fee paid under Section 7(e)(1) above is not enough to cover the standard preset hearing fees to be paid by NFA to the arbitrator or arbitrators for the time spent hearing the motion, NFA shall collect additional fees to cover the fees to be paid to the arbitrator or arbitrators.

    (5) Any order granting emergency relief shall remain in effect until NFA serves the award under Section 10 of these Rules unless the order directs otherwise. The arbitrator or arbitrators may modify the order for good cause shown.

    (6) If an order is issued granting emergency relief, the arbitrator or arbitrators may expedite the hearing by setting deadlines for filing pleadings, conducting discovery, exchanging exhibits, preparing the hearing plan, and scheduling the hearing that are shorter than those established under the Rules.

(f) Other Pre-Hearing Motions.

    (1) Motions to dismiss for failing to state a claim will not be heard by the Panel. Other motions to dismiss must be included in a timely filed Answer or Reply. Motions for summary judgment may be raised at any time. Motions for directed verdict may be raised at the hearing.

    (2) Except as provided in Section 7(a)(4) and Section 7(e) above, a party has 10 days from the date a pre-hearing motion is received in which to serve a written response on NFA and all other parties. However, where a motion is received less than 20 days in advance of the date the hearing or summary proceeding is scheduled to commence, NFA may, in its discretion, require a written response within less than 10 days. No written replies to a party's response to a motion will be allowed except in the Panel's discretion.

    (3) NFA shall assess a motion fee as follows:

      (i) In cases involving one arbitrator, a party filing a motion shall include a $200 motion fee for each motion filed more than 80 days after the last pleading is due. This fee may be subsequently waived at the discretion of the arbitrator, or the arbitrator may assess the motion fee against the party causing the filing of the motion. However, this fee shall not apply to a request for a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a) or a request for a postponement under Section 11(c) below.

      (ii) In cases involving three arbitrators, any party filing a motion shall include a $650 motion fee for each motion filed more than 100 days after the last pleading is due. This fee may be subsequently waived at the discretion of the arbitrators, or the arbitrators may assess the motion fee against the party causing the filing of the motion. However, this fee shall not apply to a request for a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a) or a request for a postponement under Section 11(c) below.

Effective May 1, 2024, the above paragraphs will read as follows:

    (3) NFA shall assess a motion fee as follows:

      (i) In cases involving one arbitrator, a party filing a motion shall include a $325 motion fee for each motion filed more than 80 days after the last pleading is due. The arbitrator may assess the motion fee against the party causing the filing of the motion. However, this fee shall not apply to a request for a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a) or a request for a postponement under Section 11(c) below.

      (ii) In cases involving three arbitrators, any party filing a motion shall include a $725 motion fee for each motion filed more than 100 days after the last pleading is due. The arbitrators may assess the motion fee against the party causing the filing of the motion. However, this fee shall not apply to a request for a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a) or a request for a postponement under Section 11(c) below.

(g) Pre-Hearing Decisions by the Arbitrators.

(1) For cases that will be decided through a summary proceeding, the Panel will decide all motions as part of the summary review, except for those related to discovery or postponement requests.

(2) With the consent of the other Panel members, one or more of the arbitrators may act on behalf of the Panel to decide any pre-hearing motions from the parties to conduct any pre-hearing conference with the parties. However, the Panel may not postpone the hearing or impose sanctions, dismiss a party, or dismiss all or any portion of a claim without a majority decision.

(h) Pre-Hearing Conference.

For cases that will be decided through an oral hearing, NFA may schedule a pre-hearing conference with the Panel and the parties. The notice scheduling the pre-hearing conference will specify the issues to be covered at the conference, including identifying outstanding discovery disputes, setting deadlines for other motions and scheduling the hearing. The conference will be conducted by telephone within 30 days after the motion to compel due date, unless the Panel directs otherwise.

(i) Depositions.

The Panel may, upon the motion of a party, order evidence depositions for good cause shown.

SECTION 8. DISMISSAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994.]

The Panel may, at the written request of a party or on its own motion, dismiss without prejudice any claim which it determines is not a proper subject for NFA arbitration.

SECTION 9. HEARING.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: December 1, 1992; May 1, 1994; June 23, 1997; May 1, 2001; March 1, 2002; June 1, 2006; October 15, 2007; October 1, 2009 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Preliminary Hearing.

The Panel may, at the written request of a party or on its own motion, schedule a preliminary hearing in extraordinary circumstances. Such hearing may be conducted orally, by telephone conference, or by written submissions.

(b) Place, Time and Notice of Hearing.

Except as provided in Section 7(h) or Paragraph (i) of this Section, the place and time of the hearing shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Secretary, who shall endeavor to accommodate, if possible, the preferences of all parties as indicated in a timely-filed pleading. Upon setting the initial hearing date, NFA shall serve notice on each party at least 45 days before the hearing of the date, time and place. NFA shall give reasonable notice of any rescheduled oral hearing date. In extraordinary circumstances, the Panel (or the sole arbitrator for cases involving only one arbitrator) shall have the authority to order that the hearing take place on a virtual basis using an electronic online meeting provider with audio and/or video capabilities.

Effective May 1, 2024, the above paragraph will read as follows:

(b) Place, Time and Notice of Hearing.

(1) Except as provided in Section 7(h) or Paragraph (i) of this Section, the place and time of the hearing shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Secretary, who shall endeavor to accommodate, if possible, the preferences of all parties as indicated in a timely-filed pleading.

(2) The Panel (or the sole arbitrator for cases involving only one arbitrator) shall have the authority to order that the hearing take place on a virtual basis using an electronic online meeting provider with audio and/or video capabilities.

(3) Upon setting the initial hearing date, NFA shall serve notice on each party at least 45 days before the hearing of the date, time and place. NFA shall give reasonable notice of any rescheduled oral hearing date.

(c) Failure to Prosecute or Defend.

At the written request of any party or on its own motion, the Panel may review the procedural history of the proceeding and any written submissions and may find that a party had failed to prosecute or defend the proceeding. Any party found to have failed to prosecute or defend the proceeding will be deemed to have waived his right to an oral hearing.

(d) Procedure.

    (1) Each party may appear personally at an oral hearing to testify and produce evidence.

    (2) Each party (or the party's representative) may present opening and closing arguments, and may examine any other party or witness at an oral hearing and any evidence produced at the oral hearing.

    (3) The Panel need not apply the technical rules of evidence.

    (4) Any party may cause a verbatim record of an oral hearing to be made at its own expense.

    (5) All testimony at the oral hearing shall be given under oath.

    (6) The Panel may allow stipulations and establish other procedures as appropriate to expedite the hearing. The Panel may consider affidavits but shall give them such weight as it deems appropriate after considering objections to them.

    (7) The Panel may order Members, employees thereof, and Associates to testify and produce documentary evidence. The Panel may issue subpoenas to non-Members as authorized by law. The parties must submit all subpoena requests to the Panel and serve those requests in accordance with Section 15(b) below. Subpoenas issued by the Panel may be enforced in a court of competent jurisdiction.

    (8) The party requesting the appearance of a non-party witness shall bear all reasonable costs of such appearance. For purposes of this section, an employee or an Associate of any party shall be considered a party witness.

    (9) All conduct and statements, offers and promises, whether oral or written, made by the parties or their representatives in connection with a mediation proceeding shall be confidential and shall not be admissible for any purpose, including impeachment, in any pending or subsequent arbitration proceeding. The mediator may not be called as a witness in a pending or subsequent arbitration proceeding.

    (10) In all other respects, the hearing procedures shall be determined by the Panel. The Panel shall afford the parties every reasonable opportunity to present their case completely.

(e) Extensions and Postponements.

Extensions of time or postponements of the hearing may be granted by the Panel when the interests of justice so require, but a hearing in progress shall not be adjourned or interrupted except in compelling circumstances. If a Member or Associate party withdraws from NFA membership during the course of an arbitration proceeding within 60 days of the scheduled hearing, then the Panel shall grant a postponement of the hearing when requested by another party in the proceeding that has a claim against the withdrawing Member or Associate.

(f) Failure to Comply.

The failure of any party to appear at any hearing or any session thereof, or to comply with any notice, order, or procedure in connection therewith, may subject the party to such adverse action as the Panel deems appropriate, including the entry of an award or the dismissal of a claim.

(g) Reopening the Record.

The record may be reopened by the Panel on its own motion or on the motion of a party for good cause at any time prior to the Panel rendering its award. A motion to reopen the record shall automatically stay the time period in which the award shall be rendered.

(h) Waiver of Defects.

Where appropriate, the Panel may excuse any failure to comply with any provision of this section, or any Panel notice, order or procedure.

(i) Summary Proceeding.

The proceedings shall be conducted entirely through written submissions when:

    (1) the aggregate amount of the claims (exclusive of interest and costs) does not exceed $50,000, unless the Secretary of the Panel directs otherwise; or

    (2) the Panel has consented to the written agreement of the parties to waive the oral hearing. A written agreement is not required of any party that has waived its right to an oral hearing under any other provision of these Rules.

SECTION 10. AWARD, SETTLEMENT AND WITHDRAWAL.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 17, 1993; March 24, 1994; March 12, 1996; June 23, 1997; June 1, 1999; September 1, 1999; March 21, 2001; March 10, 2005; June 1, 2006; October 1, 2006; July 7, 2011 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Issuance of Award.

The Panel shall notify NFA of its decision within 30 days after the record is closed. NFA shall then prepare a written award form, to be dated and signed by the Panel members. NFA shall promptly serve a copy of the award on each party or its representative. The award shall be that of the Panel majority.

(b) Relief.

The award may grant or deny any of the relief requested and may include an assessment of interest, costs or fees (See Sections 7, 11 and 12). A request for declaratory relief will only be heard by the arbitrators if the Respondent agrees to have the arbitrators hear the claim.

(c) Finality.

The Panel's award shall be final on the date thereof. The award may be modified by the Panel if a party submits a written request for modification which is received by NFA within 20 days from the date of service of the award on the parties, and the Panel deems modification necessary because:

    (1) there is an evident material miscalculation of figures or an evident material mistake in the description of any person, thing, or property referred to in the award;

    (2) the arbitrators have awarded upon a matter not submitted to them, unless it is a matter not affecting the merits of the decision upon the matter submitted; or

    (3) the award is imperfect in matter of form not affecting the merits of the controversy.

NFA will not forward a modification request to the Panel unless it is based on one of the grounds listed above. The timely filing of a request for modification shall stay automatically the finality of any award until NFA rejects the request or the Panel either modifies the award or denies the request for modification.

(d) Appeal.

There shall be no right of appeal of the award.

(e) Award Binding.

All parties shall be bound by the award and any modification thereof.

(f) Judgment.

Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(g) Failure to Comply.

(1) The President may, on 30 days written notice, summarily suspend a Member or Associate when the Member, or employee thereof, or Associate:

    (i) fails to comply with an award within 30 days from the date of service of the award by NFA or such other period as specified in the award unless

      (A) a request to modify the award is pending under Section 10(c) or

      (B) the Member or Associate who failed to comply has a pending application to vacate, modify or correct the award in a court of competent jurisdiction and has posted a bond with NFA equal to 150% of the amount of the award against that person or such lesser amount as NFA shall require in a particular case, but not less than 110% unless a satisfactory bond has been posted with the court; or

    (ii) fails to comply with a settlement agreement within 30 days after NFA terminates the arbitration proceeding pursuant to Section 10(h) or such other period as specified in the settlement agreement, or

    (iii)  fails to pay any fee assessed within the time so ordered by the Panel.

The suspension shall remain in effect until such award, settlement agreement, or order of the Panel has been satisfied.

(2) The President may, on 30 days written notice, summarily bar from Membership or Associate Membership a former Member or Associate when that former Member, or employee thereof, or former Associate:

    (i) fails to comply with an award within 30 days from the date of the service of the award by NFA or such other period as specified in the award unless

      (A) a request to modify the award is pending under Section 10(c) or

      (B) the former Member or former Associate who failed to comply has a pending application to vacate, modify or correct the award in a court of competent jurisdiction and has posted a bond with NFA equal to 150% of the amount of the award against that person or such lesser amount as NFA shall require in a particular case, but not less than 110% unless a satisfactory bond has been posted with the court;

    (ii) fails to comply with a settlement agreement within 30 days after NFA terminates the arbitration proceeding pursuant to Section 10(h) or such other period as specified in the settlement agreement, or

    (iii) fails to pay any fee assessed within the time so ordered by the Panel.

The bar shall remain in effect until such award, settlement agreement, or order of the Panel has been satisfied.

(3) A Member which guaranteed an IB during the relevant time may, on 30 days written notice, be summarily suspended by the President if the guarantor fails to pay an award issued against the IB under Section 10(c) or a settlement agreement entered into by the IB under Section 10(h) within 30 days after the guarantor has received actual notice that IB has failed to comply with the award or settlement agreement. The suspension shall be lifted if the award or settlement agreement is satisfied.

(4) The President may, on 30 days written notice, summarily bar a former Member which guaranteed an IB during the relevant time if the guarantor fails to pay an award issued against the IB under Section 10(c) or a settlement agreement entered into by the IB under Section 10(h) within 30 days after the guarantor has received actual notice that the IB has failed to comply with the award or settlement agreement. The bar shall be lifted if the award or settlement agreement is satisfied.

(5) When any Member or Associate fails to comply with any interim order issued under Section 7(e) above, that Member or Associate may be summarily suspended by the President until the Member or Associate complies with the order. Any Member or Associate subject to a summary suspension may, within 30 days of the date of service of the Notice of Suspension, appeal the suspension to the Commission and may, within 10 days of service of the Notice of Suspension, petition the Commission for a stay of the suspension.

(6) In lieu of or in addition to suspending any Member or Associate for failing to comply with an award, settlement agreement or Panel order, NFA may initiate disciplinary action under its Compliance Rules for the failure of any Member or Associate to comply with the award, settlement agreement or Panel's order.

(h) Satisfaction of Demand.

At any time during the course of an arbitration, a party may satisfy a claim by payment or settlement, including settlement through mediation. The arbitration proceeding will terminate upon receipt of written notice of satisfaction and withdrawal of the claim duly executed by the parties and submitted to NFA. If NFA is notified that a claim has been settled, but the notification is not in writing or is not duly executed by the parties, NFA shall send written notice to the parties that the arbitration proceeding will terminate within 20 days of service of such notice unless NFA receives written notice that the claim has not been settled.

(i) Consent Award.

If parties agree to satisfy a claim at any time during the arbitration, the Panel may, at the request of such parties, set forth the terms of the satisfied claim in a consent award.

(j) Withdrawal of Claim.

    (1) At any time during the course of the arbitration, a party may withdraw a claim against any Respondent who has not filed an Answer. A written notice of withdrawal must be filed with NFA. The withdrawal will be without prejudice unless the notice states otherwise.

    (2) After a party has filed a pleading, another party may not withdraw a claim against that party without the party's consent, except that if a Member or Associate party withdraws its membership during an arbitration proceeding, then a party who has asserted a claim against that Member or Associate does not need that Member or Associate's consent. The notice and the consent must be in writing and filed with NFA. The withdrawal will be without prejudice unless the notice or the consent states otherwise.

SECTION 11. ARBITRATION FEES.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; December 12, 1995; June 23, 1997; February 1, 2000; May 1, 2001; March 1, 2002; October 1, 2009 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Filing and Hearing Fees.

(1) Each Member or Associate filing a claim under these Rules shall pay a filing and hearing fee based on the amount claimed, including punitive and treble damages but exclusive of interest and costs, as follows:

Amount of Claim Filing Fee Hearing Fee
$0.00 - $25,000.00 $975.00 $250.00
$25,000.01 - $50,000.00 $2,500.00 $250.00
$50,000.01 - $250,000.00 $4,500.00 $375.00
$250,000.01 - $500,000.00 $6,600.00 $1,875.00
$500,000.01 - $1,000,000.00 $8,250.00 $3,750.00
More than $1,000,000.00 $10,000.00 $7,500.00

(2) Except as provided in Section 6(n), where the hearing fees paid by the parties is not enough to cover the standard preset fees to be paid by NFA to the arbitrators, NFA shall collect additional fees to cover the fees to be paid to the arbitrators. If a case requires more than four days of hearing, the hearing fees will be twice the standard preset fees, unless the arbitrators order the fees to remain at the standard amount.

(3) NFA shall also collect additional hearing fees when:

    (i) a party requests a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a);

    (ii) a party requests an oral hearing under Section 9(i)(2); or

    (iii) all the parties make a written request for three arbitrators under Section 4(a)(1). However, where the sole arbitrator asks NFA to appoint two additional arbitrators, NFA shall assess the additional fees equally against the parties.

(4) The arbitrators, in their discretion, may assess the entire fee against any party or may divide the fee among any or all parties. Hearing fees shall be paid to NFA in advance of the hearing sessions to which they apply.

(b) Refunds.

    (1) A full refund of any filing and hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) above shall be made if, prior to the appointment of a Panel, a claim filed under Section 2 above is found to be not arbitrable.

    (2) If all claims have been settled or withdrawn and NFA receives notice of the settlement or withdrawal at least five days in advance of the first scheduled pre-hearing conference date, if one is scheduled, or at least 30 days in advance of the first scheduled preliminary hearing date or oral hearing date, if no pre-hearing conference is scheduled, a full refund of the hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) and the arbitration service fees paid under Section 5(e) shall be made to the party paying the fee.

    (3) If all claims have been settled or withdrawn and NFA receives written notice of the settlement or withdrawal at least 15 days in advance of the summary proceeding start date or first scheduled oral hearing date or preliminary hearing date, the hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) and arbitration service fees paid under Section 5(e) shall be refunded to the party paying the fee in accordance with the schedule below.

Amount of Claim Hearing Fee Refund Service Fee Refund
$0.00 - $50,000.00 $250.00 N/A
$50,000.01 - $250,000.00 $175.00 $175.00
$250,000.01 - $500,000.00 $1,375.00 $475.00
$500,000.01 - $1,000,000.00 $3,250.00 $475.00
More than $1,000,000.00 $7,000.00 $475.00

(c) Postponement Fees.

Each party causing an adjournment or postponement of any scheduled oral hearing shall pay to NFA a postponement fee of $250 for the first postponement request by that party, $500 for the second request by that party, and $1,000 for any subsequent request by that party. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the arbitrators. The arbitrators also may assess reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the parties and their witnesses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, as a result of a postponement. No fee shall be assessed when a party files a request for postponement in accordance with Section 9(e) with respect to a Member or Associate respondent withdrawing from membership within 60 days of the scheduled hearing or if an arbitrator becomes ineligible or otherwise unable to serve, or if a hearing extends over the expected time period.

Effective May 1, 2024, the rule above will read as follows:

SECTION 11. ARBITRATION FEES.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994; December 12, 1995; June 23, 1997; February 1, 2000; May 1, 2001; March 1, 2002; October 1, 2009; October 6, 2020 and May 1, 2024.]

(a) Filing and Hearing Fees.

(1) Each Member or Associate filing a claim under these Rules shall pay a filing and hearing fee based on the amount claimed, including punitive and treble damages but exclusive of interest and costs, and Respondent(s) shall pay a hearing fee assessed equally among Respondents, as follows:

Amount of Claim Filing Fee Claimant Hearing Fee Respondent Hearing Fee
$0 - $50,000.00 $2,500.00 $350.00
$50,000.01 - $250,000.00 $4,500.00 $425.00 $425.00
$250,000.01 - $500,000.00 $6,600.00 $2,050.00 $1,025.00
$500,000.01 - $1,000,000.00 $8,250.00 $4,100.00 $1,025.00
More than $1,000,000.00 $10,000.00 $8,200.00 $1,025.00

(2) Except as provided in Section 6(n), where the hearing fees paid by the parties is not enough to cover the standard preset fees to be paid by NFA to the arbitrators, NFA shall collect additional fees to cover the fees to be paid to the arbitrators. If a case requires more than four days of hearing, the hearing fees will be twice the standard preset fees, unless the arbitrators order the fees to remain at the standard amount.

(3) NFA shall also collect additional hearing fees when:

    (i) a party requests a preliminary hearing under Section 9(a);

    (ii) a party requests an oral hearing under Section 9(i)(2); or

    (iii) all the parties make a written request for three arbitrators under Section 4(a)(1). However, where the sole arbitrator asks NFA to appoint two additional arbitrators, NFA shall assess the additional fees equally against the parties.

(4) The arbitrators, in their discretion, may assess the entire hearing fee against any party or may divide the fee among any or all parties. Hearing fees shall be paid to NFA in advance of the scheduled hearing sessions to which they apply.

(b) Refunds.

    (1) A full refund of any filing and hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) above shall be made if, prior to the appointment of a Panel, a claim filed under Section 2 above is found to be not arbitrable.

    (2) If all claims have been settled or withdrawn and NFA receives notice of the settlement or withdrawal at least five days in advance of the first scheduled pre-hearing conference date, if one is scheduled, or at least 30 days in advance of the first scheduled preliminary hearing date or oral hearing date, if no pre-hearing conference is scheduled, a full refund of the hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) shall be made to the party paying the fee.

    (3) If all claims have been settled or withdrawn and NFA receives written notice of the settlement or withdrawal at least 15 days in advance of the summary proceeding start date or first scheduled oral hearing date or preliminary hearing date, the hearing fees paid under Section 11(a) shall be refunded to the party paying the fee in accordance with the schedule below.

Amount of Claim Claimant Hearing Fee Refund Respondient Hearing Fee Refund
$0.00 - $50,000.00 $350.00 N/A
$50,000.01 - $250,000.00 $212.50 $212.50
$250,000.01 - $500,000.00 $1,537.50 $512.50
$500,000.01 - $1,000,000.00 $3,587.50 $512.50
More than $1,000,000.00 $7,687.50 $512.50

(c) Postponement Fees.

(1) Each party causing an adjournment or postponement of any scheduled oral hearing shall pay to NFA a postponement fee of $500 for the first postponement request by that party, $1,000 for the second request by that party, and $2,000 for any subsequent request by that party. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the arbitrators. The arbitrators also may assess reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the parties and their witnesses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, as a result of a postponement. No fee shall be assessed when a party files a request for postponement in accordance with Section 9(e) with respect to a Member or Associate respondent withdrawing from membership within 60 days of the scheduled hearing or if an arbitrator becomes ineligible or otherwise unable to serve, or if a hearing extends over the expected time period.

(2) Each party causing the postponement of any scheduled oral hearing within 10 days of the first scheduled day of the hearing shall pay to NFA an additional postponement fee of $600 per arbitrator. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the arbitrators. No fee shall be assessed when a party files a request for postponement in accordance with Section 9(e) with respect to a Member or Associate respondent withdrawing from membership within 60 days of the scheduled hearing.

SECTION 12. ARBITRATION COSTS.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: May 1, 1994 and March 12, 1996.]

A Panel may assess against a party any one or more of the following costs, upon a finding that such party's claim or defense was frivolous or was made in bad faith, or that the party engaged in willful acts of bad faith during the arbitration: Reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by (a) the arbitrators or (b) any other party or witness, including reasonable attorneys' fees. The Panel may also award attorneys' fees provided that a statutory or contractual basis exists for awarding such fees. Requests for attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the arbitration proceeding must be raised in the proceeding or they are waived.

SECTION 13. NON-WAIVER OF NFA RIGHTS

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992.]

The submission of a matter to arbitration under these Rules shall not affect any right of NFA regarding the matter, including the right to initiate a disciplinary proceeding.

SECTION 14. MEDIATION.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: March 21, 2001]

NFA may, in its discretion, notify the parties of the option to proceed to mediation.

SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS.

[Adopted effective February 18, 1992. Effective dates of amendments: June 23, 1997; March 21, 2001; March 1, 2002 and October 6, 2020.]

(a) Computation of Time.

    (1) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, service shall be deemed to occur on the earlier of the date that the documents are faxed (as evidenced by affidavit of service), e-mailed (as evidenced by affidavit of service), postal mailed (as evidenced by postmark or affidavit of service), or the date personally delivered (as evidenced by affidavit of service).

    (2) The counting of days shall include all calendar days and should a due date fall on a weekend or a legal holiday, such due date will be computed as the next business day on which mail is delivered.

(b) Service of Process.

Unless otherwise indicated, service may be accomplished by electronic mail, provided the party has an electronic mail address on record with NFA. However, if service by electronic mail is not acknowledged by the recipient, then NFA will serve documents using hand delivery, or by first class or certified mail, or by use of a generally recognized overnight delivery service to the party's last known business or home address on record with NFA until the party consents to service by electronic mail. All documents which are served on NFA shall be concurrently served on each party who has filed a pleading using methods designed to ensure that NFA and all parties will receive the documents on the same day. Service on a party's representative shall be service on the party.

(c) Address of Record.

A party shall promptly notify NFA of any change in the party's address or addresses, including the party's e-mail address or facsimile number, or the address of the party's representative on record with NFA.

SECTION 16. AGREEMENTS CONFLICTING WITH THE RULES.

[Adopted effective May 17, 1993. Effective dates of amendments: March 24, 1994.]

These Rules shall supersede any provision in an agreement entered into between the parties, either before or after a dispute arises, if the provision in the agreement contradicts or limits the Rules or imposes additional obligations on NFA or the arbitrators. However, in the Secretary's discretion, the provision may be applied to NFA arbitration if the agreement names NFA as the arbitration forum or the parties consent in writing to apply the provision to NFA arbitration.

SECTION 17. NFA'S AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET THE RULES.

[Adopted effective June 1, 1999.]

NFA has the authority to interpret the provisions of these Rules.