If you decide to mediate, you can still withdraw from mediation at any time before you reach a settlement. Reaching a settlement is also voluntary. No one can make you accept a settlement offer you do not like. The settlement you reach in an NFA mediation is a contract that can be enforced in court just like any other contract. NFA Members and Associates can also be suspended from NFA if they do not pay a mediated settlement.
Every case is different.
However, approximately 70 percent of NFA mediations result in settlement. If either party decides not to mediate, or if mediation is unsuccessful, your case will be decided by NFA arbitrators. Any statements or offers the parties make during the mediation are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in the arbitration. Mediation will not prolong the arbitration proceeding. Cases that are mediated follow the same arbitration timeline as cases that are not mediated.