Written in down-to-earth language everyone can understand, this book uses common examples from business and the markets to explain how derivatives work and how they are being used right now. Armed with its insights, executives, attorneys, accountants, and corporate board members will understand derivatives well enough to ask the right questions of themselves, their employees and their trusted advisors. It covers the principles of derivatives, from their use in common situations such as refinancing a mortgage, through advanced financial applications. Goes beyond media coverage to explain recent derivatives use, misuse, and regulation.