Futures and Options Association

The Futures and Options Association (FOA) is the principal European association for the futures and options industry, representing its interests in the public and regulatory domain.

Activities

The FOA is reportedly involved in the intense lobbying by speculators to water down European Commission proposals that curb the activity of commodities traders.

According to its website, the FOA 'seeks to sustain industry growth and enhance the integrity of markets and firms through the cycle of regulatory change. It works with members to maintain constructive dialogue with government and regulatory authorities and deliver high standards of industry practice.

It is 'principally concerned with financial and commodity exchange-traded derivatives markets'. However, it also addresses related issues arising in other markets (e.g. OTC markets) or issues that have a cross-sectoral impact. In such cases, it liaises, as appropriate, with other affected trade associations, primarily: FIA, AFME, BBA, ISDA and WMBA.

The FOA says it achieves its goals by:

• engaging in regulatory lobbying and market liaison - dialogue with government, regulatory authorities, exchanges and others;
• submitting formal position papers and responses to regulatory discussion and consultation papers;
• facilitating an exchange of views and resolving issues between members and others through committees, forum meetings and member "ring-rounds"
• engaging proactively with parliamentary groups in the UK and Brussels;
• supporting and taking forward member issues via its helpline services;
• issuing industry guidelines, publications and legal opinions;
• maintaining documentation libraries;
• holding events - IDX, City Debate, Power Trading Dinner, InfoNet and member seminars, workshops and "roundtables"

Affiliations

• Initiated the Associate Parliamentary Group on Wholesale Financial Markets and Services and is a member of its Industry Advisory Group.
• 'Active supporter' of European Parliamentary Financial Services Forum (EPFSF) in Brussels.

Contact

Address: 2nd Floor, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DE.

Tel. +44 (0)20 7929 0081

Fax. +44 (0)20 7621 0223

Website: http://www.foa.co.uk/