One of the most important aspects of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods isthat the process is consensual in nature. All arbitration acts and most other ADR rules require parties to agree on referring their disputes to an alternative method instead of national courts. However, there is no worldwide consensus regarding the application of any ADR methods in securities exchange disputes between brokers and their clients. The U.S Supreme Court decisions in
Shearson/American Express Inc. v. McMahon and
 Rodriquez de Quijas v. Shearson/American Express, Inc. at the other end of the spectrum indicated that the prohibition of arbitration in the securities exchange disputes is not always possible. What can be said is that the Supreme Court of the United States held in these cases that the arbitration clause in the broker-client contracts is not inconsistent with the aim of the Securities Acts of the U.S.