Financial derivatives as a tool of risk management in international trade

The field of financial derivatives is rather complicated and usually not familiar to general public. Financial derivatives are used for three different reasons: arbitrage, speculation and hedging. This paper focuses mainly on the last one - hedging. The goal of the thesis is to clarify the heart of the matter, to explain the reasons why derivatives exist and to systemize their individual types and classification. It compares basic types of derivatives and summarizes their advantages and disadvantages and possible practical usage of them. Apart from companies as final users, the paper remembers also external subjects, such as clearing. It explains the terms of risk and uncertainty and goes into their identification, the risk management and its hedging. It also analyzes the current situation on OTC (over the counter) market and brings output from interviews with experts and consultants about their experience from working with their clients dealing with derivatives. The thesis also covers information about recently passed law called European Market Infrastructure Regulation, which is closely connected with working with financial derivatives. Furthermore, it includes a case study of L'Oréal Company, describing procedures and principles, based on which the Company deals with derivatives, and analyzing problems which L'Oréal has to face.