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Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

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The derivatives <strong>in</strong>dustry can be compared to any other <strong>in</strong>dustry, themanufactur<strong>in</strong>g of cars for <strong>in</strong>stance. A manufacturer who has been mak<strong>in</strong>gsedans wants to go <strong>in</strong>to the market of sports cars. What does he need toth<strong>in</strong>k about? The answer would be a long list - to conduct market analysis,<strong>in</strong>stall new production l<strong>in</strong>e (or modify the exist<strong>in</strong>g one), source newcomponents, plan for the production volume and <strong>in</strong>ventory level and formulatethe pric<strong>in</strong>g strategies.Bus<strong>in</strong>ess plann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the derivatives market is no different. If a bank usedto trade <strong>in</strong> the G-7 foreign exchange market and the treasurer suggests thatthe bank should go for the trad<strong>in</strong>g of Asian currencies, what do the seniormanagement need to th<strong>in</strong>k about? The list should be as long as that of thecar manufacturer. What are the risks associated <strong>with</strong> trad<strong>in</strong>g Asian currencies- market risk, credit risk or liquidity risk? What is the <strong>in</strong>cremental risk toour exist<strong>in</strong>g activities? Do we need to have different operational procedures?Shall we improve the limit structure and report<strong>in</strong>g system to address, say,the liquidity risk? What are the regulatory, legal and tax implications? Dowe have the expertise <strong>in</strong> the Asian markets?Without a comprehensive policy on new products approval, a bank maystart trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Asian currencies <strong>with</strong>out careful plann<strong>in</strong>g, because "thenature is similar to the G-7 currencies" accord<strong>in</strong>g to some bankers. However,the consequences may be quite different.CONCLUDING REHARKSTo conclude, we have seen <strong>in</strong> this book a variety of derivative products andtheir uses. This book is not for market experts and there are many complexderivative products that we have not covered. However, we hope you havegrasped the concepts of basic build<strong>in</strong>g blocks such as options, futures andforwards. Once you have a good understand<strong>in</strong>g of the fundamentals, it is notvery difficult to analyse more complex products.<strong>Derivatives</strong> are not monsters. They are just tools to transfer risks from oneformat to another. In fact, they can be very useful tools for asset/liabilityManag<strong>in</strong>g Risks <strong>in</strong> Banks

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