Securities Division, 3rd Floor

Arizona Corporation Commission

1300 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85007

 

Main: (602) 542-4242

 

Toll-Free Number in Arizona:
1-(866) 837-4399

Ask and Check
Before You Invest!

Toll free in AZ

  1-866-VERIFY-9

   (1-866-837-4399)

 

Derivatives

DerivativesWhat Every Investor Needs to Know

Derivatives are financial products based on an agreement between parties where the value is "derived" from the price of an asset (stock, bond, or foreign currency), the value of a financial index, or the rate charged for an activity, such as borrowing money.

Basically, derivatives transfer the risk from those less willing or able to sustain possible financial losses to those more willing or able to manage the risks. However, if not used appropriately, derivatives can cause significant financial losses for investors. Some derivatives are sensitive to changes in the values of the underlying assets, which means that the value of a derivatives portfolio can deteriorate quickly and be difficult to predict. Generally, derivatives trades on organized exchanges are more liquid than those that are highly customized and traded in Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets.

Before you invest, investors need to know that derivatives are sophisticated financial products and that they should exercise great caution before investing. Obtain important background information about firms offering futures contracts from the National Futures Association (NFA) at www.nfa.org. As part of your due diligence, read more about the different types of derivatives and how they work.


The information provided on this website is not comprehensive, is not offered as legal or investment advice, and is not a substitute for competent legal or financial counsel. The Securities Division provides this information to give you an overview of the topics discussed. You should not rely on the accuracy of this information, but should carefully review all applicable statutes and regulations with the assistance of legal counsel.

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Arizona Corporation Commission

1200 W. Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

 

Corporations Division

1300 W. Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

 

Tucson Office (Walk-ins only)

400 W. Congress Street

Tucson, AZ 85701