Futures and Options Association (FOA) brings derivatives focus to the European Financial Markets Federation

The European Financial Markets Federation (EFMF) is pleased to announce that the Futures and Options Association (FOA) has joined the Federation. The FOA joins five major national and international associations which are existing members of EFMF; Associazione Italiana Operatori Mercati dei Capitali (ASSIOM), the Euro Debt Market Association (AMTE), the European Securities Forum (ESF), the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the National Securities Market Association (NSMA, Russia).

The addition of the FOA, a widely respected industry Association which plays a significant role in the representation of the derivatives market, to the roster of member organisations enhances the Federation’s expertise and influence in this important and expanding market sector.

Anthony Belchambers, Chief Executive of the FOA, said: “Substantive progress towards the completion of a single financial services market in the EU, growing convergence in its regulation and the emergence of a more cost-efficient financial services ‘passport’ calls for greater trade association coordination. The establishment of the European Financial Markets Federation (EFMF) is a timely initiative and I believe that the FOA can deliver a strong commodity and financial derivatives focus to the work of the EFMF, which will sit well alongside its capital market agenda.”

The Federation has highlighted the following issues for joint cooperation in 2007: clearing & settlement, bond market transparency and market information & education.