Through NASD Dispute Resolution, investors have dispute resolution options, including arbitration and mediation programs, at their disposal. Mediation is an informal, voluntary approach in which a mediator facilitates negotiations between disputing parties, helping them to find their own mutually acceptable resolution. What distinguishes mediation from other forms of dispute resolution is that the mediator does not impose the solution, but rather, helps make it possible for the parties to craft and accept the solution themselves. Arbitration is a dispute resolution mechanism to help determine if aggrieved parties are entitled to recover damages. In arbitration, an impartial person or panel hears all sides of the issues as presented by the parties, studies the evidence, and then decides how the matter should be resolved.
Arbitration is final and binding, subject to review by a court only on a very limited basis.
Both mediation and arbitration benefit investors by providing prompt, inexpensive alternatives to litigation in the courts. Parties can choose NASD arbitrators and mediators who are carefully selected from a broad cross-section of people, diverse in culture, profession, and background. To receive more specific information about the NASD Dispute Resolution arbitration or mediation facilities or the forms needed to begin the process, contact one of the NASD Dispute Resolution offices , or visit the Web Site . All of this information is available on the NASD Regulation Web Site. NASD Regulation not only reaches out on matters to be formally considered, but also actively solicits views from investor groups to ensure that the full range of investor concerns and issues are addressed.