Hello again!My knowledge of derivatives is limited to just a couple of chapters from Introducing Quantitative Finance, and a couple of lectures. And 2 years of numbers emailed to me by mate who's playing on options exchange - them numbers didnt mean a thing to me so far, but he kept on sending them. Basically I'm trying to find out what kind of jobs there are in derivatives markets, what the legal restictions as to who is able to participate are and all that. The technical things i.e. what the structure of, say, an options exchange is. Any information, links, books suggestion are very appreciated.I apologise if this message is not supposed to be in this forum.Thanx.

Basically I'm trying to find out what kind of jobs there are in derivatives markets >> You already want look for a derivatives job? Look up the job ads in the jobs forum. That will give you an idea.What the legal restictions as to who is able to participate are and all that >> To participate in what exactly? and as what?The technical things i.e. what the structure of, say, an options exchange is. >>Chicago Board of Options Exchange is a good starting point.

Omar,Never said I was looking for a job. I said I wanted to know what kind of jobs there are so to make up my mind about what I should do and what I shouldnt to be happy. Nevermind the participate bit yet. I'll ask that again later. It cant hurt to ask.Thanks for the starting point suggestion.

You can get jobs designing, analyzing, structuring, trading, selling or buying derivatives. Most of these jobs require some general financial skills, with derivatives expertise added. For example, to trade derivatives you have to be a good trader (as in someone who could trade pork bellies or bonds) and understand enough about derivatives to work in that market. There are a few jobs in which pure quantitative skills are all you need.