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Unlike the trading of stocks, futures, or options, currency trading does not take place on a centralized exchange, but instead through different forex brokers. At first glance, this ad hoc arrangement must seem bewildering to investors who are used to structured exchanges such as the NYSE or CME. However, this arrangement works exceedingly well in practice: participants in forex must both compete and cooperate with each other, and self-regulation provides an effective amount of control over the market. Furthermore, reputable retail forex dealers in the United States become members of the National Futures Association (NFA), and by doing so, they agree to binding arbitration in the event of any dispute. Therefore, it is critical that any retail customer who contemplates trading currencies do so only through an NFA-member firm.