In its Annual Review, NFA highlighted certain initiatives and summarized enforcement activity for Fiscal Year 2019.

NFA noted progress on:

  • developing the training program to implement NFA's Swaps Proficiency Requirements, which NFA intends to make available online from late January 2020, with a compliance date of January 31, 2021;
  • acting as IOSCO's Affiliate Members Consultative Committee Chair;
  • updating the Background Affiliation Status Information Center (or "BASIC") system, which provides registration and disciplinary information on NFA member firms and their personnel; and
  • addressing regulatory issues relating to virtual currencies, cybersecurity and CPO internal controls, and updating NFA Rules to cover swaps.

Additionally, NFA reported on enforcement activity. In 2019:

  • NFA distributed restitution of approximately $9 million to approximately 60 investors;
  • the Business Conduct Committee (or "BCC") filed 20 Complaints against 37 respondents;
  • disciplinary panels issued 18 Decisions, and ordered five expulsions and six suspensions; and
  • NFA imposed almost $1.7 million in fines.

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