Arbitration

Notice of Intent

If you are considering filing a claim and are approaching the two-year time limit for filing a claim, you should consider submitting a Notice of Intent. A Notice of Intent does not obligate you to file a claim, but it temporarily suspends the two-year time limit to provide you with extra time to file a claim.

NFA must receive a Notice of Intent within the two-year time limit period in order to extend the time period allowed to file a claim.

SUBMIT A NOTICE OF INTENT

Filing a Claim

Member arbitration is designed for disputes between and among NFA Members and Associates. If you are an NFA Member and your dispute involves another NFA Member, with certain exceptions, you are required to file your claim at NFA. NFA Members or Associates who are trying to recover a debit balance from a customer, can also file an arbitration claim with NFA. If you are an NFA Associate or if your claim is against an NFA Associate, you are not required to file a claim at NFA unless there is a contract requiring NFA arbitration, though you are free to do so.

NFA Rulebook

Member Arbitration Rules
NFA's Member Arbitration Rules applies to all Member arbitration cases.

Interpretive Notice 9031
Lists the standard documents to be exchanged under Section 7 of NFA's Member Arbitration Rules.

Filing Fees for NFA Members
A detailed table of Member filing fees can be found in NFA's Member Arbitration Rules.

FILE A MEMBER CLAIM

NFA's Arbitration Online Payment System allows individuals to pay hearing and filing fees associated with an arbitration case. The filing party is responsible for filing and hearing fee.
ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM

Individuals may access information about their current arbitration cases.
CASE INFORMATION

The success of NFA's Arbitration Program is directly tied to the quality of the individuals who serve as arbitrators. There are currently over 1,700 individuals on NFA's arbitrator roster. Arbitrators come from various professions and backgrounds, but the skills they share are integrity, impartiality and sound judgment. Technical expertise in the commodity futures markets is not a requirement.

Apply to Be an NFA Arbitrator

To apply to become an NFA arbitrator, you must complete an Arbitrator Profile using NFA's online system. While training is essentially on-the-job, once you agree to serve on a case, NFA offers online training to help you meet your mandatory training requirements and understand your responsibilities as an NFA arbitrator. Technical expertise in the commodity futures markets is not a requirement.

Arbitrator Training

NFA's arbitrator training program includes the modules and webinar below, and completing any one module satisfies an arbitrator's training requirement for three years.

Arbitrator Training Modules

NFA Arbitration and Your Role
Learn about the role of an NFA arbitrator and what NFA expects from the time of appointment through the conclusion of the case. (Approx. 45 - 50 min; must be completed in one sitting)

Requests for Pre-Hearing Decisions
Learn about handling requests for pre-hearing decisions or motions. (Approx. 30 - 45min)

Arbitrator Webinar Recording

Conducting a Virtual Arbitration Hearing Webinar
Learn tips and guidelines for conducting a virtual arbitration hearing, as well as an overview of where arbitrators can find useful information and resources on NFA's website. (Approx. 40min)