Arbitrator Update

The Arbitrator Update is NFA's periodic newsletter for arbitrators.

 

ArbitratorUpdate


 

February 2017 Issue

Table of Contents:

Arbitrator Profile: Ellen Abrams

Looking Forward

Statistics

Ellen Abrams

Ellen Abrams

Arbitrator Profile: Ellen Abrams

In her professional and personal life, Ellen Abrams is always up for a challenge.

Ellen, a graduate of Wellesley College and Yale Law School, had a long career in the financial industry and has been an NFA arbitrator for seven years. She began her legal career as an Estates and Trusts Specialist in private practice, first in New York and then in Denver. After 15 years, she made a geographical and professional change, moving to Florida where she became the President of National City Trust Company. Though she has since retired, she remains in Florida.

In retirement, Ellen continues challenging herself and enjoys applying her professional background in law and the financial markets to the arbitration process. She first entered the world of arbitration 16 years ago when a friend recommended she apply to be an arbitrator for FINRA, then NASD. Nine years later, Ellen became an NFA arbitrator as well.

As an NFA arbitrator, Ellen appreciates the opportunity to work with individuals from different walks of life, each of whom brings unique insights to the table. In particular, Ellen enjoys the sense of camaraderie among her fellow NFA arbitrators, which she feels is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as an arbitrator.

"I remember cases," Ellen recalls, "where the three [arbitrators] said at the end that we wished we could be on a panel together again—and we meant it…My colleagues have been good to me."

Ellen doesn’t only challenge herself professionally. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys playing duplicate bridge with others in her community. In fact, she's even been asked to give lessons, which she's found very gratifying.

She's certain that duplicate bridge will keep her arbitrative mind sharp for a long time to come.

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Looking Forward

This will be the last bi-annual issue of the Arbitrator Update. Going forward, new issues of NFA's Arbitrator Update will be published when new programs, information, or arbitration-related rule changes occur. Please contact Judy Jenks, Arbitration Case Administrator, (312-781-1431 or jjenks@nfa.futures.org) with any questions.

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Statistics

NFA received 33 claims in calendar year 2016. Please visit NFA's website for the most recent statistical data on NFA arbitration filings.

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