NATIONAL FUTURES ASSOCIATION
FOREX INVESTOR ALERT
FEBRUARY 2007

In August 2003 NFA issued an Investor Alert discussing the risks of trading in the retail off-exchange foreign currency (forex) market. Since that time, participation in forex trading by retail investors has increased dramatically. There are current 37 active Forex Dealer Members registered with NFA. These 37 firms hold over $800 million in customer funds.

Unfortunately, the amount of forex fraud has also increased dramatically. Since 2001, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has filed 93 enforcement actions in federal court against hundreds of firms, owners and employees for defrauding over 25,000 customers who lost over $395 million in forex schemes. In addition, NFA has taken enforcement actions against a number of its Forex Dealer Members.

It is critical, therefore, that individuals who are considering participating in the forex market understand the risks associated with this product and conduct due diligence before making any investment decisions.

• Although forex dealers must be regulated, firms and individuals can solicit retail accounts for forex dealers and manage those accounts without being subject to any regulatory requirements. There are currently more than 2,000 such firms and individuals. If you are contacted by one of them, either through a telephone call, an e-mail message or a Web site, find out if they are regulated. If they are not, you may be exposed to additional risks.
• Be aware of investment schemes that promise significant returns with little risk. Be very cautious and closely monitor any investment you do make.
• Because the forex market is volatile, fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the time you place the trade and the time you attempt to liquidate it will affect the price of your forex contract and the potential profit and losses relating to it.
• Only a relatively small amount of money can enable you to hold a forex position for much more than the account value. This is referred to as leverage or gearing. If the price moves in an unfavorable direction, high leverage can produce large losses in relation to your initial deposit. In fact, even a small move against your position may result in a large loss, including the loss of your entire initial deposit and the liability for additional losses.
• Forex transactions are not traded on an exchange. Therefore, under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, your funds may not receive the same protections as funds used to margin or guarantee exchange-traded futures and options contracts, which receive a priority in bankruptcy.

For additional information on retail forex trading, you should consult NFA's brochure, "Trading in the Retail Off-Exchange Foreign Currency Market: What Investors Need to Know." NFA has also developed a Forex Online Learning Program, an interactive self-directed program explaining how retail forex contracts are traded, the risks inherent in forex trading and steps individuals should take before opening a forex account. Both the brochure and the online learning program are available at no charge to the public in the Investor Learning Center section of NFA's Web site (www.nfa.futures.org).

As mentioned above, retail off-exchange forex trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The possibility exists that you could lose all of your initial investment and be liable for additional losses. Therefore, you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. Be aware of all the risks associated with forex trading and make an informed decision after consulting with your financial advisor and considering your own financial situation and objectives.

 

NFA is a self-regulatory organization subject to oversight by the CFTC. NFA's primary mission is to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

 

More information at http://www.nfa.futures.org/compliance/forex.asp or http://www.nfa.futures.org/compliance/forexInvestorAlert_020107.asp