This tutorial introduces the major financial markets. What are their functions? Who needs them? What products do they offer? Where are they? How do they operate? How are they changing?

Broadly speaking, the tutorial outlines the financial markets’ defining characteristics, focusing on the way in which money shifts between participants. More specifically, it describes the types of financial market, the products offered, the people/participants involved, and the different types of marketplace.

On completion of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Distinguish between the broad categories of financial markets – investment/funding markets, transactional markets, and risk management markets – and their purpose
- Identify the key participants in these financial markets and the roles they play
- Recognize the difference between exchange-traded and off-exchange/OTC markets, and how the distinction between the two is becoming increasingly blurred

Topic 1: Overview of Financial Markets
Topic 2: Market Participants