Advancing global standards for derivatives expertise and market integrity
The International Council for Derivative Trading (ICFDT) is a global body dedicated to shaping the future of derivatives markets. Founded by senior figures in trading, asset management, and financial research, the Council serves as a hub for professional standards, industry dialogue, and forward-looking initiatives in options and futures.
The ICFDT was established to advance derivatives as a cornerstone of modern finance. Our mission is not limited to training standards; we aim to strengthen every dimension of the industry, from professional competence and ethical practices to market structure and regulatory frameworks. By uniting market participants, educators, and policymakers, the Council promotes both innovation and responsibility in derivatives trading worldwide.
While the ICFDT develops and administers professional certifications such as the Certified Futures and Options Analyst (CFOA), our role extends well beyond training. We act as an industry convener, facilitating dialogue among trading firms, asset managers, and regulators on emerging issues ranging from market volatility to technology-driven changes in execution.
The Council also engages in research and policy recommendations, contributing data-driven insights that inform discussions on risk oversight, clearing mechanisms, and the global harmonization of derivative markets. Our publications and working groups are designed to foster informed debate and align professional practice with the evolving realities of the marketplace.
Derivatives have transformed from specialized hedging tools into integral components of global financial infrastructure. Options and futures underpin liquidity, risk transfer, and price discovery in virtually every asset class including equities, commodities, currencies, and fixed income. Global exchange-traded volumes reached record levels in 2023 with more than 137 billion contracts changing hands. This expansion reflects not only growing institutional demand but also the centrality of derivatives in managing systemic and portfolio-level risk.
As the influence of these instruments grows, so does the need for institutions that can set clear standards, encourage transparency, and anticipate structural challenges. The ICFDT addresses this need by providing a framework for both professional excellence and responsible market evolution.
With contributors and recognized partners across North America, Europe, and Asia, the ICFDT maintains a truly international outlook. We are neutral and independent, focused on fostering collaboration between different market participants rather than serving any single regional or commercial interest. Our work reflects the interconnected nature of derivatives markets and the need for shared professional benchmarks across jurisdictions.
The ICFDT is committed to maintaining the credibility of the markets it serves. This includes designing rigorous examinations, producing research that illuminates emerging trends, and contributing to policy discussions that shape the industry’s future. Earning an ICFDT credential signals technical mastery, but equally important is our role in advancing dialogue, proposing sensible regulatory frameworks, and supporting sustainable market growth.
