Types of derivatives

The flexibility of derivatives means that they are used for a myriad of different purposes.

The main types of derivatives are:

• • swaps — including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, commodity swaps, and credit default swaps;
• • forwards;
• • futures; and
• • options.

This guidance note explains the key features of each of the above types of derivative.

For more information on these classifications, see Types of derivatives.