The International Accounting Standards Board states that a derivative must have three basic characteristics: its value must change in response to the fair value of an underlying interest; there is little or no initial investment; and its expiry date lies in the future.

This course will guide anyone who seeks a step-by-step explanation of derivatives through the forest of options, forwards, swaps, futures, puts, and calls. Whether or not you view derivatives with fascination, fear, or awe, it will answer your questions, calm your fears, and make derivatives altogether more understandable.