Bill Singer Severs Ties With FIA

August 6, 2007

Effective August 6, 2007, I have severed all further ties with FIA.

This morning, one of the organization's founders sent me an email threatening that the organization's members would turn on me because of the last blog entry I posted. Apparently, this individual was affronted by my suggestion that no FINRA member firm simply vote for anyone nominated by FINRA or FIA,but that careful consideration be given to the vote.

I believe that my dissident credentials remain sterling and as a veteran advocate for reform of the self-regulatory process, I will not compromise my positions for the expediency of an election. FIA is a wonderful organization that has dramtically reshaped the landscape of our industry for the better. It now needs to move forward in a professional and credible fashion. Personal attacks and threats have never carried any weight with me -- only the power of a persuasive debate. I never cowered in the face of bully-boy tactics from NASD and will not respond differently to this individual's warnings.

Until such time as FIA can convince me that it is committed to responsible reforms and constructive discourse, I will not affiliate myself with that organization.

Bill Singer