Useful Links

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (www.isda.org)

ISDA is a global financial trade association whose members include most of the world's major institutions that deal in privately negotiated derivatives, as well as many of the businesses, governmental entities and other end users that rely on over-the-counter derivatives to manage efficiently the financial market risks inherent in their core economic activities.

Since its inception, ISDA has pioneered efforts to identify and reduce the sources of risk in the derivatives and risk management business. Among its most notable accomplishments are: developing the ISDA Master Agreement; publishing a wide range of related documentation materials and instruments covering a variety of transaction types; producing legal opinions on the enforceability of netting and collateral arrangements; securing recognition of the risk-reducing effects of netting in determining capital requirements; promoting sound risk management practices, and advancing the understanding and treatment of derivatives and risk management from public policy and regulatory capital perspectives.

Managed Funds Association (www.managedfunds.org)

The MFA is a trade association established in 1991 that represents the global alternative investment industry. Its members are professionals in hedge funds, funds of funds and managed futures funds, as well as industry service providers. MFA’s objective is to enhance the image and understanding of the alternative investments industry through media relations initiatives, to further constructive dialogue with regulators in the pursuit of regulatory reform, and to improve the communication with, and the training of, its members through effective communications programs.

U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (http://www.cftc.gov)

The CFTC is an independent agency created by Congress in 1974 whose mission is to protect market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures and options, and to foster open, competitive, and financially sound futures and option markets.