With the pending retirement of its current president, the National Futures Association (NFA) announced on Nov. 18 that long-time member Thomas Sexton would take the helm in March 2017.
The turn to Sexton was a unanimous decision by NFA’s board of directors, following several months of search in the wake of Daniel Roth’s–current president and CEO–announcement of retirement in May. Roth will continue to advise both Sexton and the board until the transition is complete.
“Over the past several years, Tom has been exposed to every facet of NFA’s operations, from technology to swaps compliance to registration to NFA’s finances,” Roth said. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified for this important role.”
Sexton holds a law degree and a Bachelor of Arts in government from the University of Notre Dame, as well as an MBA from Loyola University. Sexton joined this self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry in 1991 as an attorney, and has risen up the ranks since. In 1998 he was promoted to assistant general counsel, which was followed by a promotion to general counsel and secretary in 2001.
Michael Dawley, NFA Board Chairman and the man who chaired the search committee, hailed Sexton for his understanding of the derivatives market and its regulatory framework as critical to the association’s efforts for future evolution.
“I look forward to building upon Dan’s success and working with NFA’s board and staff, members, the CFTC and other industry leaders, to ensure NFA continues to safeguard market integrity,” Sexton said of his appointment.