External Relations

The FOA continues to maintain a proactive role in representing members' interests to external audiences such as Westminster, Whitehall, Brussels and Washington and, particularly, with regulators, trade bodies, the media and specialist interest groups and opinion formers. This is particularly important with the derivatives industry in Europe (and internationally) undergoing major change generated by, for example, the changes in regulation, the introduction of the Euro, the impact of technology, industry consolidation and questions over the future role of exchanges.

Government

The FOA maintains a regular contact programme with decision-makers in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels.

In the United Kingdom, the programme includes general introductory and background briefings for politicians from the main political parties, particularly those interested in financial legislation, and specialist briefings for ministers and senior civil servants.

In support of its work in respect of European legislation and regulation, the FOA is a founder member of a European Parliamentary Financial Services Forum and is represented on it's Advisory Committee. The forum meets regularly and is designed to raise awareness amongst MEPs of issues relating to financial services in Europe and provide a forum for discussion at a senior level with participants from the financial community.

Press & Media

The FOA continues to provide information on the industry where relevant and increase understanding of the derivatives sector through press briefings, one-on-one meetings and the publication of surveys or studies.

Press Releases

Other Interest Sectors

The FOA continues to support events designed to raise awareness of the wholesale financial services sector in general and the derivatives industry in particular, expanding such programmes to include regional audiences and supporting initiatives taken by such organisations as the CBI; Corporation of London, International Financial Services, London (IFSL) and local Chambers of Commerce.

Overseas the FOA has been represented at industry exhibitions and conferences in the United States and continental Europe which, in addition to providing an opportunity to raise the profile of the derivatives industry, provides a valuable opportunity to meet the FOA's overseas members.