Exotic derivative
An exotic derivative, in finance, is a derivative which is more complex than commonly traded "vanilla" products. This complexity usually relates to determination of payoff.[1] The category may also include derivatives with a non-standard subject matter (i.e., underlying), developed for a particular client or a particular market.[2]
The term has no precise meaning: the definition is dependent on time and place. Interest rate- and currency-swaps were considered exotic when they first appeared in the 1980s, but are now standard financial tools. Similarly, proprietary products originally developed by merchant banks or other financial institutions to meet the needs of particular clients may in time diffuse more widely into the market.[2]
As regards valuation, given their complexity, exotic derivatives are usually modelled using specialized simulation- or lattice-based techniques. Often, it is possible, to "manufacture" the exotic derivative out of standard derivatives.[3] For example, a knockout call can be "manufactured" out of standard options; see Barrier option#Valuation. This latter approach may then be preferred, and also allows for a benchmark against which the more specialized models may be verified.
See also
Related
Types
- Energy derivative
- Freight derivative
- Inflation derivative
- Interest rate derivative# Exotic derivatives
- Macro derivative
- Weather derivative
- Property derivatives
References
- ↑
- 1 2 Understanding derivative contracts: types of derivatives Archived January 15, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Emanuel Derman
External links
- Understanding derivative contracts: types of derivatives, HM Revenue & Customs
- Exotic Derivatives and Structured Products, Sébastien Bossu, University of Chicago
- Exotic Derivatives, Prof. Jim Gatheral, Baruch College
- Exotic Equity Derivatives Manual, Salomon Smith Barney (1998)
- Guide to Exotic Credit Derivatives, Lehman Brothers
- A Day in the Life of an Exotic Derivatives Trader, quantnet.com