Committee Spotlight: Derivatives Committee

The Derivatives Committee provides a forum for investment professionals to learn more about the use and intricacies of derivatives. It offers content to both specialists in the derivatives markets and those professionals who are not currently involved but who wish to learn more. The Derivatives Committee seeks to educate and keep its membership informed on all aspects of derivatives and derivatives markets. As the use and importance of derivatives is increasing, the Committee is committed to educating and making derivatives markets more accessible to those with little or no direct experience.

The Committee is one of the most active committees with frequent brown bags (lunch and learn), panels and conferences. The nature of derivatives allows for many interesting and diverse programs. For example, previous programs have ranged from counterparty default risk to pension fiduciary liability to recent developments in the options market. As a relatively new committee, it has not developed a long history of programming events but includes significant programming on current issues. Members and non-members are encouraged to suggest programming ideas. Previous suggestions have enhanced the programs offered including brown bags, panels, joint committee events, social events and half-day conferences. All events provide excellent opportunities to network and meet professionals at the forefront of their field.

Recent events include panel discussion on new volatility products with speakers from CBOE, S&P and Barclay’s, liability driven investment for pension funds, subprime securitization (New York Federal Reserve Economist Adam Ashcraft). Additional presenters have previous experience at Fitch Solutions, PIMCO, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Securities and many, many others.

Information about membership and programming should be directed to committee chair Dr. Andrew Spieler at finacs@hofstra.edu or vice chair Dr. Ehsan Nikbakht at finezn@hofstra.edu. Once again, the Derivatives Committee is open to anyone with an interest in derivative markets or securities. The Committee welcomes all members whether they have extensive derivative experience or no previous exposure.