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.