In 2005, the FIA marked the 50th anniversary of its formation. To celebrate this milestone, the FIA held a series of special events, starting in March at its annual conference in Boca Raton and continued over the course of the year in New York, London and Chicago.

FIA was founded in 1955 in New York as the Association of Commodity Exchange Firms. It was originally established as a forum to discuss issues, work with exchanges, represent the public customer, study ways to reduce costs, eliminate the abuse of credit, cooperate on educational efforts and protect firms from fraudulent warehouse receipts.

In 1973, the New York association expanded to include Chicago FCMs. It was renamed the Futures Industry Association in 1978 and moved to Washington in recognition of the truly national scope of the futures industry. The FIA broadened its reach again in the mid-eighties when international organizations were invited to become members. Today, the FIA's more than 250 members represent a diverse group of market participants with a common desire to see the industry grow and prosper.