News Releases

For more information contact:
Larry Dyekman, (312) 781-1372
ldyekman@nfa.futures.org
Jennifer Bucko, (312) 781-1373
jbucko@nfa.futures.org

NFA reduces assessment fees to historically low levels

February 25, Chicago - Citing unprecedented growth in public trading volume, the Board of Directors of National Futures Association (NFA) has approved a reduction in NFA's assessment fees to $.10 per round-turn futures contract and $.05 per option contract, the lowest level in NFA's history. The decrease is the third assessment fee reduction in nine months, resulting in a 45 percent decrease since July 2001. The new fee schedule becomes effective on April 1, 2002.

"The dramatic increase in trading volume that has occurred over the past few months has given us the opportunity to lower the assessment fee rate while continuing to deliver efficient regulatory programs and services," says Dan Roth, NFA's senior executive vice-president.

NFA's assessment fee is levied on futures contracts and options on futures contracts traded on behalf of public customers. Public trading accounts for approximately 23 percent of total volume on the nation's futures exchanges.

NFA, a congressionally authorized self-regulatory organization for the U.S. futures industry, provides innovative regulatory programs and services that ensure futures industry integrity, protect market participants and help its Members meet their regulatory responsibilities. NFA also offers a variety of cost-effective regulatory services to electronic markets that enable them to sustain market integrity, increase user confidence and add value to their markets.