Derivatives in Africa: Risk or Revolution?
May 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the world of finance with a twist! This London School of Economics article unpacks the complex relationship between derivatives and systemic risk in Africa's evolving financial markets. Ever wondered how financial tools can stir up economic storms? With insights into Africa's banking sector, derivatives trading, and the quest for financial stability amidst globalization, this piece is a financial thriller that's about more than just numbers. It's a call to understand the underpinnings of economic tremors in a continent on the brink of a financial revolution. Ready to unravel the mystery?
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Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Navigating the Financial Waves in Africa
Imagine sailing on the vast ocean of global finance, where derivatives are like the sophisticated navigation tools that help manage the risks of unpredictable financial storms. Now picture Africa's emerging financial markets as growing ports in this metaphorical ocean, increasingly using these tools. The growing use of derivatives in Africa is not just a matter of complex financial maneuvers; it's about the continent's journey towards economic stability and growth. This topic matters because it's at the heart of understanding how Africa can harness financial innovations to thrive in the global economy, without capsizing into the deep waters of systemic risk, which could have ripple effects worldwide. For you, this could be a fascinating exploration of how financial decisions made by banks thousands of miles away might influence the global economy and potentially, your future financial wellbeing.
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Derivatives
Financial contracts whose value is linked to the performance of underlying assets like stocks, bonds, or commodities. Think of them as bets on future prices of these assets.

Systemic risk
The risk that the failure of one part of the financial system (like a major bank) can cause a domino effect, leading to a broader economic crisis.

Financialisation
The process by which financial markets, financial institutions, and financial elites gain greater influence over economic policy and economic outcomes.

Contagion
In finance, this refers to the spread of market disturbances – mostly losses – from one country to another, like a financial virus.

Conditional value at risk (CoVaR)
A risk assessment measure that estimates the amount of potential loss in a portfolio in extreme conditions.

Generalised method of moments (GMM) model
A statistical method used to estimate parameters in financial models, taking into account certain assumptions and conditions.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of derivatives in promoting financial stability in emerging markets
Investigate how derivatives can be used as tools for risk management in emerging economies and their impact on financial stability.

Systemic risk and its impact on global economic health
Explore the concept of systemic risk, using Africa's financial market as a case study, to understand how localized financial disturbances can have global repercussions.

The influence of financialisation on African economies
Examine how the increasing influence of financial markets affects economic policies and outcomes in African countries.

Contagion effects in financial markets - a study of African banks
Analyze how financial crises spread from one market to another, focusing on the role of African banks.

Evaluating the effectiveness of risk management tools in African financial markets
Assess how tools like CoVaR and derivatives are used by African financial institutions to manage risks.
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