Nathaniel Lalone from Katten Elected to FIA Board: A New Chapter

Katten UK Partner Nathaniel Lalone Joins the FIA Board

In a significant development within the financial markets landscape, Nathaniel Lalone, a partner at Katten, has recently been elected to the Futures Industry Association (FIA) Board of Directors. This esteemed board plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of the futures, options, and centrally cleared derivatives markets. Lalone, a leader in Katten's Financial Markets and Funds practice, brings a wealth of insight and experience to this influential position, which aligns with the FIA's mission to foster open, transparent, and competitive markets while promoting exemplary professional conduct on a global scale.

The announcement was made on March 20, 2025, highlighting Lalone’s crucial new role during a pivotal time for the industry. Lance Zinman, the global chair of Katten’s Financial Markets and Funds department, expressed great enthusiasm regarding Lalone's appointment. He remarked, "We are beyond pleased that Nate will play a part in key policy discussions as the industry is experiencing significant developments across various sectors. I have no doubt that his keen insight and deep experience will serve him well and have a lasting impact."

The FIA serves as the leading global trade association for the futures and derivatives industry, working to amplify the voices of its corporate members. With a robust network comprising over 350 corporate members—including futures commission merchants, exchanges, clearinghouses, and trading firms from more than 48 countries—the FIA provides critical representation to its constituents. It actively engages with regulatory bodies, lobbying on essential issues that affect the industry and its operations.

Key Responsibilities of the FIA Board

The FIA board entails various responsibilities, such as overseeing financial planning and managing the budget to ensure the organization’s financial stability and sustainability. Additionally, the board collaborates with regional advisory boards in Asia and Europe that offer valuable insights into market dynamics and regulatory concerns prevalent in different territories.

Lalone expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role, stating, “I am honored and could not be more delighted to help guide the ongoing work of this essential organization.” His focus centers on providing regulatory and compliance advice for cross-border market infrastructures, as well as advising both sell-side and buy-side firms working with cleared derivatives markets.

The board comprises 29 distinguished members, including senior executives from some of the world’s largest banks and law firms, which further bolsters the board’s ability to navigate complex market challenges. Lalone’s dual qualifications in England and New York exemplify the depth of expertise that he brings to the board, indicative of his ability to facilitate cross-border regulatory issues that often arise in today’s interconnected markets.

The announcement of Lalone's election took place during the 2025 International Futures Industry Conference held in Boca Raton, Florida, where industry professionals convene annually to network, exchange knowledge, and discuss emerging trends, products, and influential players in the cleared derivatives sector.

About Katten

Katten is a global, full-service law firm with a formidable presence, housing approximately 700 attorneys in key locations throughout the United States, as well as offices in London and Shanghai. With a reputation for providing sophisticated legal services, Katten caters to a spectrum of clients, including public and private companies across varied sectors, as well as governmental and nonprofit entities.

The firm’s areas of expertise are diverse, encompassing corporate law, financial markets and funds, litigation, real estate, and transactional tax planning, among others. This broad scope positions Katten as a go-to source for clients seeking high-value legal counsel on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally. To learn more about their offerings, visit katten.com.