FpML.org Seeks Participants for New Architecture Working Group
Initial Focus on XML Schemas for Version 2.0

NEW YORK, Aug. 29 - FpML.org has issued a Call for Participation seeking volunteers to work on further developing the technical architecture and structural aspects of the XML-based Financial products Markup Language standard supporting OTC trading of financial derivatives. Brian Lynn, co-chair of the non-profit consortium's Standards Committee, said the working group will consist predominantly of technologists within financial institutions, systems vendors and service providers.

"Activities are expected to start in September and continue through January 2002," Mr. Lynn said. "Areas of consideration include digital signatures, encryption, attachments and extensions. The group will also address structural issues relating to such matters as the versioning and extensibility of FpML documents. An early deliverable will be producing an XML schema representation of FpML Version 2.0."

Individuals interested in volunteering for the group are invited to register at www.fpml.org/wg/architecture/index.asp prior to September 7. Based on past experience, prospective members should be prepared to commit 1 to 2 days a week on average.

Mr. Lynn said that FpML.org is comprised of volunteers from some 30 companies who participate on the Board of Directors, the Standards Committee or as members of Working Groups. Volunteers are employees at leading banks, information and software vendors, and systems integrators. FpML is a freely licensed standard designed to support the electronic dealing and processing of financial derivatives between trading partners, including financial institutions and their client network.