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For Immediate Release
December 4, 2003

For more information contact:
Cindy Cain (312) 781-1490, ccain@nfa.futures.org
Larry Dyekman (312) 781-1372, ldyekman@nfa.futures.org

NFA publishes guide to help investors who file arbitration claims understand legal terminology

December 4, Chicago - National Futures Association (NFA) announced today that it has published a new guide to help investors who file arbitration claims understand the legal terms used during the process. The booklet is available on NFA's Web site ( www.nfa.futures.org).

"More than 60 percent of parties who file arbitration claims at NFA are not represented by attorneys," says Arbitration Manager Heather Cook. "It's important that these 'pro se' parties understand that although NFA arbitrations are less formal than a court proceeding, there are still a number of legal principles that affect whether a person can file a claim and what the person filing the claim can ask the arbitrator to do."

"Understanding Legal Terminology in NFA Arbitration Cases" answers general legal questions about whether a claim can be filed, who can file it, whom it can be filed against and what type of relief the person filing the claim can ask for. Although the booklet mentions how NFA rules apply to a particular issue, the issues themselves are general legal principles that apply to most dispute resolution forums, including court proceedings.

"This new booklet complements our existing family of publications designed to educate investors and NFA Members about our dispute resolution program," says Cook. "We are always looking for ways to make the program more efficient and user-friendly."

In October 2001, NFA became the first regulatory organization in the financial services industry to accept arbitration claims online. Since that time, NFA's Online Dispute Resolution System has proven to be a popular choice for customers and Members.

"In November 2002, we implemented enhancements to the system to allow users to view case information online through the use of a secure ID and password," says Cook. "These enhancements give parties and representatives greater ownership of their cases by putting the information they need directly in their hands."

For additional information on NFA's dispute resolution program, visit NFA's Web site at www.nfa.futures.org or call NFA's Information Center at 800-621-3570.

NFA is the premier independent provider of innovative and efficient regulatory programs that safeguard the integrity of the derivatives markets.

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