Do
derivatives really threaten the stability of the financial world?
Of course
not. It's not derivatives per se that are dangerous. Forms of forwards, futures, options
and swaps have been with us for centuries. The root of their risk lies in how and why they
are used, and under what framework of control. Uncontrolled derivatives are bound to bum
capital.
Derivatives
may appear impossibly complex to manage, but it doesn't have to be this way. We could be
more vigilant, and we could introduce an integrated approach to risk management. Risk
control could then become a custom, a good global habit, where the cost benefits of
derivatives are seen clearly against their highly leveraged characteristics. But this
imagined world is very far from the actual state of affairs of the financial world. The
current world holds onto rather murky assumptions.
For one,
many managers may feel they! understand the inherent risks of many fin derivative
transactions. Well here is a book aimed at mere mortal managers (not Nobel prize
laureates) which does not rely on any mathematical formalism.
Risk
management need not be rocket science. The principles set out in the book act as
ready-reckoning tools for anyone anywhere dealing with derivatives. Liquidity, market,
credit, operational and legal risks are all explained and addressed.
Integrate
and internally regulate your risk systems into one holistic framework.
Derivatives:
Optimal Risk Control delivers a total strategy for controlling derivatives risk -
one that is multi-dimensional, linking audit and risk management teams with traders and
managers, and linking derivative operations with strategic objectives and capabilities.
In an
uncertain world of risk and return, this book offers clear steps to safety for the user of
derivative instruments.