Includes bibliographical references and index.

The purpose of financial markets -- An overview of the markets and institutions -- Banking : retail and corporate -- Investment banking -- Other types of banking -- Central banking -- Pooled investment funds -- Insurance -- Money markets -- Bond markets : governments and corporates -- Bond markets : the more exotic -- Equity markets -- Raising share capital -- Futures markets -- Options and swaps -- Foreign exchange markets -- Hedge funds and private equity -- Regulation of the financial sector -- The financial crisis.