NIBA Journal

Insights, analysis, and updates from the National Introducing Brokers Association

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Member Announcements

October 23, 2025

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Special Alert: Introducing Brokers will be featured at FIA EXPO 2025

FIA Futures and Options Expo returns to the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk November 17 & 18th. SPECIAL ALERT: For the first time in several years, Introducing Brokers will be featured at EXPO. On Tuesday, November 18, 3:15pm IBs will present a panel you don't want to miss! Introduced by Melinda Schramm, President of MHS Capital Resource and Founder & Chairman of the NIBA, the panel includes: Morad Askar, EdgeClear Elaine Levin, Powerhouse TL Steve Petillo, Pinion Global Abbey Wilkins, Sweet Futures Matt Kluchenek, Katten Muchin This panel will discuss how Introducing Brokers are viewing and meeting industry and technology changes that are impacting our relationships with our customers, our FCMs and our trading platforms. Click here to view the full 2025 FIA EXPO Program To learn more about the Introducing Broker session contact Melinda, melinda@futuresrep.com. NIBA is proud to be an Association Partner of FIA Conferences.

From the Classroom to the Trading Floor

There is no single, clearly defined education path for entering the derivatives industry as professionals come from a range of academic backgrounds. Still, higher education plays a crucial role in preparing students for success in this complex and fast-evolving field. A strong foundation in finance, economics, and mathematics is essential. At the undergraduate level, students should prioritize courses in financial markets and institutions, investment analysis, corporate finance, and introductory derivatives. Just as important are courses in statistics and calculus, which help build the analytical and quantitative skills required for understanding pricing models, volatility, and risk management strategies. With the increasing reliance on algorithmic trading and quantitative research, a concentration or minor in applied mathematics, data science, or computer programming can provide a competitive edge. Where Futures Are Forged: DePaul Alumni making a footprint DePaul University boasts a strong track record of alumni who have gone on to hold prominent positions...

From Insight to Impact: Building a Risk-Smart Community

With a more complex global environment and continuous financial innovation, new and more sophisticated areas of risk have emerged. At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer powerful opportunities for private sector firms and financial institutions to enhance their risk management capabilities. Honoring a Legacy: The Founding and Mission of the Arditti Center Founded in 2006, the Arditti Center for Risk Management honors the life and legacy of the late Fred Arditti - a distinguished economist, pioneer in the futures industry, and former executive at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange - who also served as a member of DePaul University's finance faculty. The Center promotes the development of the risk management field by bridging the gap between industry and academia. Each year, it hosts seminars, conferences, and educational programs for students, faculty, scholars, and professionals. The Arditti Center has cultivated deep ties with the Chicago...

Letter to Membership: Announcing the new NIBA "Toolbox"

To All Registered Derivatives Professionals: NIBA is excited to announce the formation of a new Working Group which will create and regularly update the NIBA Toolbox. NIBA’s Toolbox is a resource center which will be located on our website, theniba.com and provide direct links to information which helps Association Members be proactive on issues pertaining to all aspects of running their businesses. From the NIBA Toolbox, Association Members can access five categories of data: Marketing Regulation/Compliance Training Conferences/Webinars Other (such as technology, cybersecurity and more) Experts and industry professionals from each of these areas are providing everything from compliance updates to training programs and marketing ideas to NIBA Members through our new Toolbox. Other topic areas are likely to be added from time-to-time as needed and as the membership directs. NIBA’s Toolbox will be open on our website soon. We have formed a Working Group to reach-out for materials and...

Businesses must evolve to meet challenges and uncertainties ahead

Economic Disruptors Will Continue: Crucial Actions Needed to Minimize Risks Freight disruptions, foreign conflicts, and government policy – while we cannot know the impacts with certainty, we do know they are creating market volatility. Global supply chain disruptions like these, coupled with pricing uncertainty, and of course the weather conditions, are making it more difficult than ever to operate commodity-based operations in traditional ways. “There are just too many factors working against you, and the future requires a different approach,” says Pinion Ag marketing strategist Eric Osterhaus. It is important to recognize that price does not trade on fundamental reasons alone. It is easy to stick to fundamental headlines too long and end up being caught by a headline that changes the market dynamic, oftentimes causing producers to market defensively. “As the agricultural and fuel markets have become more global, this has added complexity to simple seasonal supply and demand...

NIBA/DePaul 7th Annual Symposium - Session Summaries

NIBA is excited to be back in person and continue the annual Joint NIBA/DePaul Symposiums. Here we take a deeper dive into what will be discussed throughout the program. If you have yet to register please do so as space is filling up quickly. Register Here. [Session 1] Blockchain: A Financial Industry Evolution Blockchain is revolutionizing the way companies do business globally. From enhanced security to expedited payment and robust contract administration, Blockchain has already changed outdated and archaic processes in the financial industry. But how is it all being achieved and how does it impact your daily business? Yuri Zamostin, CEO of Coinifide will start off this session by explaining exactly what Blockchain is...and why you need to know more. He'll share examples of its applications in use in our industry currently, and preview what the future holds. Join in the session discussion as Mark Shore, from DePaul University...

Featured Speakers - NIBA/DePaul University Joint Symposium 2022

We are pleased to introduce our featured speakers at the 2022 NIBA/DePaul University Joint Symposium. Please click here for the full agenda and registration information. Melinda Schramm, Founder & Chairman, NIBA I’m celebrating my 46th anniversary in the futures and options industry this year. From running orders on the old Mid-Am exchange to FCM executive to owning my own shop...it's a great career! I currently serve on the NFA IB Advisory and Hearing Committees; I have testified before Congress, the CFTC and in court numerous times to stand-up for the NIBA community; and, I am the author of The Complete IB Handbook, now in its 9th Edition. I founded NIBA in 1991 to give derivatives professionals a voice in their own regulation and to provide education in order to better serve their clients, stay in compliance and grow their businesses. I’m also an attorney focused on Intellectual Property and a...

7th Annual Joint NIBA/DePaul University Symposium

NIBA is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Joint NIBA/DePaul University Symposium for 2022. This is our first time back in person and we could not be more excited to get back together with membership. This year's Symposium is on September 15th and is a half day program beginning at 1:30pm. The event is offered in a hybrid format. For those of you who will be joining in person the event will be at the DePaul University Loop campus on the 8th floor and will be followed by a networking cocktail reception on the rooftop terrace. In-person capacity is limited so we encourage you to register early for this event. This year's Symposium will tackle relevant topics with top industry professionals. Please take a look at the event page to view the full agenda and list of speakers. https://www.theniba.com/niba-event/annual-joint-niba-depaul-university-symposium-3/ Thank you to this year's event sponsors  

Inflation Dynamics, Geopolitical Risks and Commodity Markets

NIBA invites you to join us on June 9th at 3:30pm CT for a conversation with Erik Norland, Executive Director and Senior Economist at CME Group. Erik will discuss the following topics: Russia, China and Global Supply Lines How does inflation impact agricultural goods markets? Will China’s slowing economy bring a halt to the commodity rally? What does tighter U.S. monetary policy mean for currencies and for agricultural goods prices? Complete your registration by following the link below. Further instructions on joining will be provided following registration. Please contact events@cmegroup.com if you have any questions. Event Partner

Your NIBA Membership

For over 30 years, NIBA has voiced the opinion of the Association to our regulators, and provided education you need for business growth. During the past year, your support and commitment to the NIBA have helped the Association to: Represent NIBA opinions to the CFTC (most recently during the 5/25/22 Roundtable) Interact with NFA and CME Group to present five free-to-all seminars Keep NIBA’s online Broker Directory the most-searched section of our website Create and deliver a twice-monthly newsletter directly to your in-box Thank You! I’m writing today to ask you to renew your NIBA membership as a Premium Member. Your Premium Membership of $150 helps the Association: Participate in rulemaking at the CFTC and with our other regulators Upgrade NIBA Archives and our online Broker Directory Provide in-person and hybrid member events with our education partners – Save Sept. 15, 2022 - more on that joint DePaul University event...

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