CME establishes $100 million fund to protect cattlemen

CME Group Inc. (CME) established a $100 million fund to protect farmers and ranchers who utilize CME.

Cattlemen attending the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention heard from Bryan Durkin, CME chief operating officer, who said on behalf of CME that they felt an "inherent" responsibility to help their customers.

He said there is more to be done.

"We are in unchartered territory," said Durkin. "There are a lot of facts that still need to be sorted out. We took an important first step for farmers and ranchers."

Durkin said MF Global found a way to manipulate a system that has been working flawlessly for 75 years.

The fund will not help former MF Global customers who haven't received all their money as a result of the bankruptcy.

There is an estimated $1.2 billion shortfall in customer segregated accounts.

Durkin said customers with accounts in the United States have received about 72 cents on the dollar.

Under the new fund, farmers and ranchers will be eligible to receive up to $25,000 per account if they lose money resulting from the bankruptcy of a clearing member.

Durkin said farming and ranching cooperatives will be eligible for up to $100,000 per cooperative.

He said if losses are more than $100 million, those customers will be eligible for a pro-rate share of the fund up to $100 million.

Durkin said doing everything possible to prevent a repeat of MF Global is top priority for CME.