Risk Takers: Uses and Abuses of Financial Derivatives

by John E. Marthinsen

Risk Takers profiles seven real-life situations in which financial derivatives resulted in fabulous success or spectacular failure while also exploring some everyday uses of derivatives, such as stock options. Beyond simple case studies, this book fully explores the events, providing context and discussing outcomes. Studying the affects of the derivative-related decisions made by companies and municipalities, readers gain a full understanding of these complex instruments. These clearly written stories bridge the gap between financial theory and real world applications, and are recommended reading for all students of finance and anyone interested in the world of finance and financial derivatives.

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for an MBA class. It had a nice balance of stories about criminals and incompetent individuals, taking risks and making mistakes (usually with other people's money). I was surprised how few of these cases I had actually heard about, especially considering most of them were at least high profile enough to warrant changes in legislation and/or business oversight. I'm not sure how interesting Risk Takers would be to the average reader, but it definitely seemed to hold the attention of, and spark conversation among, the members of a Derivatives & Options MBA class.