Established in 1989, the Institute for Financial Markets (IFM) is an non-partisan, nonprofit educational foundation, and an independent affiliate of the FIA. The IFM seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of the importance of financial markets and the financial service industry to the global economy and to improve the technical competence of those in the industry who deal with the public. In advancement of such purpose the Institute engages in activities such as research, publications dissemination, seminar and course development, workshops, and conferences. We focus our attention and activities primarily on derivatives markets — the markets for instruments like futures, options and swaps. Derivatives markets help to support a vibrant economy and help individuals, institutions, producers, companies and governments improve their management of market and credit risks.