LAW 698LEC - Financial Markets and Institutions

This course introduces students to the instruments, structure and operation of various financial markets including banks, debt and equity markets, commodities and futures markets, and options and derivative markets. The structure and operation of commercial and investment banks will be studied along with the evaluation of their business models in response to the financial crisis and the new regulatory environment. Particular attention is given to the role of securitization and structured finance in the recent financial crisis and efforts to reform the financial system in light of the crisis. Attention will be paid to various sorts of funds, and to alternative currencies. An objective of the course is to promote understanding of the central role financial firms play in the proper functioning and health of the U.S. and global economy by providing capital, payment systems, and tools to manage risk through market making and otherwise.

Credits: 3