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Financial Markets include any place or system that provides buyers and sellers the means to trade financial instruments, including bonds, equities, the various international currencies, and derivatives. Financial markets facilitate the interaction between those who need capital with those who have capital to invest. In addition to making it possible to raise capital, financial markets allow participants to transfer risk (generally through derivatives) and promote commerce.
Although regulations and best practices guide financial market transactions, these transactions entail a certain degree of risk. The OCC provides guidance and resources for national banks engaged in financial market activities.
Quarterly Report on Bank Trading and Derivatives Activities
Bank for International Settlement (BIS)
Requests Under 716(f) of the Dodd-Frank Act
