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FIA Announces Formation of FIA European Principal Traders Association

London – June 7, 2011 The Futures Industry Association announced today the formation of the FIA European Principal Traders Association, a forum established for firms that trade their own capital to identify and discuss issues confronting their trading community.

The group will work to define common positions on public policy issues, improve the public’s understanding of the constructive role played by principal trading groups in the exchange-traded markets and promote cost-effective equal and transparent access to European markets.

"In the aftermath of the financial crisis and the increasing attention of the press and regulators to market structure, the need for a group that represents principal traders has never been more apparent," said Remco Lenterman, Chairman of the FIA European Principal Traders Association. "Partnering with the FIA will enable principal traders in the EU to benefit from the knowledge, organization and network of the FIA."

The mission of the FIA EPTA is to support transparent, robust and safe markets with a level playing field for all market participants. Through an organized approach, the FIA EPTA will assist member firms in developing their understanding of current and future market policies.

"Financial reform is a global issue. Creation of the FIA EPTA comes at a critical time as policymakers in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere are writing rules that will change how our markets work," said FIA President John Damgard. "It is especially important that there be a voice for this important segment of our markets in Europe."

The FIA EPTA will operate under independent governance in Europe with a similar profile to the FIA Principal Traders Group that was established in 2010 in the United States. Membership in the FIA EPTA is limited to firms that primarily trade for their own account rather than on behalf of customers.

For more information about the FIA EPTA, please visit the website at www.futuresindustry.org/epta

European Contact: Cas Westhoff, Spring Associates, +31 20 575 50 20 or cas.westhoff@spring-associates.com

U.S. Contact: Will Acworth at +1 202 466 5460 or wacworth@futuresindustry.org

The FIA is the primary industry association for centrally cleared futures and swaps. Its membership includes the world’s largest derivatives clearing firms as well as derivatives exchanges from more than 20 countries. For more information, please visit our website at www.futuresindustry.org.