Overview

This tutorial provides a detailed introduction to the trade lifecycle, the different stages of that lifecycle, and the key participants in it. The tutorial also describes how trading can be categorized by asset class and whether a trade represents a cash or derivatives market transaction. Other topics covered by the tutorial include margin trading, securities lending, high touch versus low touch trading, straight through processing (STP), and settlement cycles.

Objective

On completion of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Identify the key stages of the trade lifecycle, including pre-trade, trade execution, trade clearing, trade settlement, and ongoing position and risk management
- Recognize that trading can be categorized by asset class, by whether it is a single position or an index position, and by whether it is a cash market or a derivatives market trade
- Identify the key participants in a trade, the role of front, middle and back offices, and market developments such as automation, straight through processing, and efforts to shorten settlement cycles

Content

Topic 1: Overview of the Trade Lifecycle
Topic 2: Asset Classes & Products
Topic 3: Market Participants & Developments