Reviews (1)

The best by far of slim pickings
I reviewed every Money and Banking text I could get my hands on before selecting Mishkin's text to use while I was an instructor at one of the top universities in the US. Mishkin's text was hands-down the best text. But there weren't a lot of alternatives to choose from. This text gets used in a lot of MBA programs.

The thing I liked most about this text was its comprehensiveness. Mishkin did a far better job than the other text of introducing stock options. And of course, he covered the banking (money multiplier, bnak loans, etc.) side comprehensively. Good job with exchange rates, too.

Weaknesses: Need more on the insurance industry, particularly with the biggest banks now firmly in that business. Need more on financial futures. And finally, I'd like to see a little more mathematical rigor. I supplemented the text in an undergrad class with some more mathematical articles from the economics literature. ... Read more

Book Description

Published since 1992, and updated annually, this 148 page textbook was written as an answer to the "sink-or-swim" training methods of many mortgage firms. The format is designed to give the newly initiated loan officer/agent, lender, processor, or other initiate the practical information they need to do the loan officer's job.

The reader learns how to understand rate and point quotes, how to use a financial calculator, how to make basic computations customers require, how to understand loan programs and compare product features. The student progresses through understanding loan specifications - Conventional Conforming/Jumbo/FHA/VA and Sub-Prime program guidelines - to a practical understanding of ratios, income, assets and closing costs, debts and credit history. This is then placed in the context of the loan application - how to collect all the required documents and disclosures and supervise a loan from application to closing. Beyond the basics, students learn how to finance various property types; condos, PUDs, new construction and investment property. A detailed chapter on refinancing addresses the issues which most often confront the loan officer in a period of heavy refinancing - 10 reasons to refinance. Finally, understanding how loans are made in the secondary market and the basics of interest rate quoting and behavior are covered.

This product is being submitted for approval for use in continuing education in all states which have, or are adopting, a requirement. Many companies use this product as a handout to prospective new loan officers. Many loan officers give this product to their referral sources to help educate them to the requirements of the industry. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I use it as a textbook for my college class
I am writing this review in response to the concerns of one reviewer who didn't like the $55 price. This is the first review I have ever written on amazon.com, or anywhere else for that matter. I had a choice of many other books to use as a textbook for the class I teach at Montgomery College on mortgage loan origination, and I chose this one. At first, I, a stingy Yankee, was taken aback by the $55 price, and concerned for my students who have to deal with high textbook prices, but when I examined the book I was amazed at how much there was in it, information not available in such form anywhere else. There were a few other manuals and texts that I could have chosen for the class, including some that were hundreds of pages long, but they were full of fluff and consisted simply of compiled information. They were four pounds of hamburger; this book is 12 ounces of filet mignon. It is is focused, focused, focused on providing information mortgage loan originators actually need. It has helped my students start lucrative careers and has helped me teach a very popular course; I even use it when I teach private classes for some of the biggest mortgage lenders in the nation. I have been a mortgage loan originator since 1988 and I have never seen such a valuable book. I was amazed - even embarrassed - at how much I learned about the business, even after 15+ years originating loans. With information, its not the price, it's the value, and this book is incredibly valuable. There are four pages in the book that I require my students to copy and keep with them; these pages alone are worth hundreds of dollars, and contain on four pages information that is spread across hundreds of pages of industry publications. I encourage anyone considering the business, and even anyone in the business already, to buy this book. Feel free to call me at home at 301-563-6225 and I will be happy to discuss the book - that is how strongly I feel about it's value. Not one of my hundreds of students has ever been anything less than enthusiastic about the book. I even discuss the price of the book at the beginning of the first class, and tell the students that I thought, at first, that it was too high. Then, I encourage them to evaluate it over the course of the class, and tell me if they think it is overpriced. Not one of them has EVER told me so, nor has anyone in the mortgage business ever told me so. If it were up to me, this book would be required reading for every mortgage loan originator in the country. If mortgage loan originators read this book and absorbed the information in it, this would be a much easier business to be in for everyone involved. It has been approved by a number of states for the instruction of mortgage loan originators, as well as numerous community colleges. Sorry to ramble on like this and sound like a shill for the book, but as an originator and an instructor I wanted to address the cost issue. Some people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Ignore the price here, and look at the value. Do that, and I believe you, too, will see what I am talking about.

THE most comprehensive Loan officer training book in print!
Thomas Morgan's The Loan Officer's Practical Guide to Residential Finance is THE most comprehensive loan officer training book in print today. Chock full of every single aspect of the mortgage origination process, I truly recommend this book to every amateur as well as novice loan officer I know!

Great information
I have been a senior executive in the mortgage business for over 25 years and I would recommend this book to anyone considering the business. I found this book to contain in a concise and organized manner all the information a new or seasoned Loan Officer would need to be successful in the mortgage origination business. I advise any manager to consider providing a copy to each of their originators.

It is a goob book, but too expensive for what it is
This book is a very good tool for new loan officers. It is a good book, but you can find the same information in other books that are more reasonabaly priced. I would have given it a higher rating, if it was priced below [money]. It was just disappointing to receive such a thin book in the mail for [money]. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very good for first exposure to financial markets
This book is not an advanced book on financial markets, but it is a good introductory book. I use this book for my undergraduate teaching. Both I and students are happy about the coverage of the book. It is well organized and well written. Improvements will be valuable in the derivatives markets and risk management areas.

Good start
I've used some version of this book for many years now, and I've seen it evolve. I think, as other reviewers have said, that there are some simplified portions of the book, especially those parts dealing with monetary economics. There are other portions which lay out the principles as only these authors can, and those parts are extremely helpful and valuable. This book allows me to teach my notes and thoughts with a textbook serving as a reference and an introduction -- it doesn't get in my way, in other words. I use it along with several other texts, and I think it gets the job done. Students seem to like it as well, mainly for its clarity. For someone wanting to learn the basics, this is an excellent choice.

This book insults the intelligence of all but newcomers
Although this might be a perfect book for those looking for simplicity, I would not advise it to anybody with previous exposure to finance.
The book is a way too simple, and reveals huge ignorance on the markets outside the US.
I think the book is very much a benchmark to reveal ignorant finance - teachers.

Too many errors of omission and commission for a second ed.
Too many errors to be a useful text for a serious course in financial markets. Virtually ignores the market for mortgage backed securities. Ignores the interest on interest component of total return. Discussion of zeroes is muddled. Discussion of YTM is incomplete. Even the chapters on commercial banks and Fed policy contain the same old mistakes seen in most money and banking texts.

Excellent reading
I have never found such a made easy finance text like this before!

A lot of long and hard to understand topics in other textbooks are simplified in plain English.

It is excellent whenever you are puzzled with the topics like Efficient Market Theory and Interest Term Structures in other books and you need a clear understanding! ... Read more

Book Description

This popular text, publishing Spring 1999 in its Second Edition, introduces the mathematics underlying the pricing of derivatives. The increase of interest in dynamic pricing models stems from their applicability to practical situations: with the freeing of exchange, interest rates, and capital controls, the market for derivative products has matured and pricing models have become more accurate. Professor Neftci's book answers the need for a resource targeting professionals, Ph.D. students, and advanced MBA students who are specifically interested in these financial products. The Second Edition is designed to make the book the main text in first year masters and Ph.D. programs for certain courses, and will continue to be an important manual for market professionals. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

The best intro book ever!
Students of derivative pricing techniques are often in a dilemma: Coming from their MBA or undergrad course, they have just build a "brealy-myers" type of intuition on options. Moving towards Hull then allows a deeper understanding. But any serious (eg PhD, Wall Street Analyst) student of derivatives needs to undertstand the math behind modern derivatives pricing. Essentially, this research divides into two streams: Solving Partial differential equations and developing equivalent Martingales. Without a rigorous pre-education (Maths, Physics), most students fail to understand (let alone learn to use) these methods. Nefci is the only book that does not assume lots of prior knowledge, as compared to Merton (1992) or Duffie (who is so bold to write "for mathematical preparation little beyong undergraduate analysis...is assumed" -ask PhD Students how easy this book reads! The answer is its tough!!). In Short, Neftci's book is a true blessing for all "normal" people. Can't wait to get the second edition!

Good explanations, with serious hand-waving
I used this book to teach a Financial Mathematics course, and found its explanations to be generally clear and good. However, part of the reason the text seems so clear is that it doesn't explain much of what's really going on. It covers the right material, but not really in such a way that the reader can then go on to apply the knowledge gained.This is evidenced by the complete (and almost unforgiveable) lack of exercises in the book. It is very easy to feel you understand this sort of material, only to be completely lost when you actually have to solve a problem. Neftci will not help in this regard. I understand that it is difficult to create good exercises, but their absence almost makes me wonder if Neftci realized he was not explaining things in enough detail to let the student actually work with the knowledge. Exercises are the only way to really learn this subject.A basic problem with all these texts is that, try as they might, they cannot impart true understanding unless the student can grasp real analysis at, say, an undergraduate level typically reached by students at a good engineering school. This text tries to avoid the problem by failing to mention any of the analysis...that's not likely to work.

Good Book
I've read Hull, Wilmott and Baxter books but definitely like this book better - particularly for entry (but not easy) level derivative math. Can't say much since English is not my first language. But if you want to learn about Derivative Math and don't have strong background in Math (I'm a Porfolio Manager and have pretty good background in Calculus, Differential Equation, Econometrics) this book is certainly worth considering. I give 4 stars due to the lack of practice problems.

Good book for the right audience
It is amazing that people are not willing to take it what it is, an 'introduction' to mathematics of financial derivatives. The 'reader from New York' of 'notation challenged' seemed to have wanted a rigourous treatment of SDE, yet is sorely disappointed not to find it in this book. IMO it gives an extremely clear exposition of the various tools of SDE and having read it has allowed me to progress to books in which mathematical rigor is stressed over intuition. So in a nutshell this book achieved its stated goal of offering an intuitive and heuristic explanation of mathematics of derivatives to the novices taking their first steps in the financial engineering land.

Notation Challenged
As Yogi might have said: "If you understand this book, you don't need this book.".

If you have a good grip on the industry conventions relative to notation, and have seen the material before, you might understand this book. If not, you won't.

Notation is: 1) frequently wrong; 2) used inconsistently; 3) used out of context (i.e., without foundation); 4) glued in as a concluding argument in a logically non-convex way.

The absence, misuse, abuse of time subscripts makes some of the arguments incomprehensible.

Some arguments pursue a change of reasoning in probability space, then make a jump to an S.D.E. with industry standard notation, but so far out of scope, that the connections are not clear. As one example, if you: 1) know the underlying S.D.E., and if you ; 2) understand the connection between risk-neutral probability and risk-free measure , and if you; 3) understand why a state variable is allowed to commute through an expectations operator because it is no longer stochastic (though why that might be so is not explained), then you will have a chance of understanding the author's argument connecting the transformation of synthetic probabilities to a standard S.D.E.

Some words are capitalized to emphasize, rather than being defined. Sort of like going to a foreign country and shouting more loudly as a communication strategy ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Classic and Comprehensive
This is an amazingly thorough reference that should be on the bookshelf of every banker and MBA student. Barrons does a very thorough job.

I found it wanting in only one area. Some of the newer products like total return swaps and credit derivatives whiched surged in volume last year aren't covered.

I highly recommend: "Credit Derivatives" by Tavakoli if you need more on these important banking products.

Comprehensive
Working in an IT company catering to bankers I bought this book to help understand their lingo. I have to say it hasn't disappointed yet. It is also very up to date the latest IT/banking terms. If you were to read all the definitions in this book you would probably know more than you banker. A great reference. Buy it!

Don't Let the Title Fool You
This can almost be considered an inexpensive textbook. It not only defines, but explains the terms in a simple, easy to understand format. Although in dictionary form, it consistently relates the terms to one another so the reader will understand how the concepts interwind. Includes financial and banking terms.

bookisexcellent
book should contain all banking terms because most of them are not understood by layman

Clear and Comprehensive
Whether you are a novice seeking to learn the fundamentals of banking, or an active professional who has just encountered an unusual term, you will want this book. Each definition is short (only a paragraph or so), but most contain links to other terms, so the reader can gain a progressively deeper understanding of how terms interrelate. I also like the frequent inclusion of dates (e.g., the year a particular law was passed). The definitions are authoritative--based on a number of leading accounting, banking, and financial entities identified in the introduction. It's worth far more than its bargain price. I look forward to the next edition (Year 2000?). Keep up the good work! ... Read more

Book Description

Value-at-risk (VaR) is a measure of market risk that has been widely adopted since the mid-1990s for use on trading floors. This is the first advanced book published on VaR. It describes how to design, implement, and use scalable production VaR measures on actual trading floors. It takes readers from the basics of VaR to the most advanced techniques, many of which have never been published in book form.

Practical, detailed examples are drawn from markets around the world, including: Euro deposits, Pacific Basin equities, physical coffees, and North American natural gas.

Real-world challenges relating to market data, portfolio mappings, multicollinearity, and intra-horizon events are addressed in detail. Exercises reinforce concepts and walk readers step-by-step through computations.

Sophisticated techniques are fully disclosed, including: quadratic ("delta-gamma") methods for nonlinear portfolios, variance reduction (control variates and stratified sampling) for Monte Carlo VaR measures, principal component remappings, techniques to "fix" estimated covariance matrices that are not positive-definite, the Cornish-Fisher expansion, and orthogonal GARCH.

* First advanced text on Value-at-Risk
* Practical, detailed examples drawn from markets around the world
* Exercises reinforce concepts and walk readers step-by-step through computations ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good
The book is great in clear notation, real data examples as well as online solutions for readers with or without math background. It will be better to include some advanced theory such as Extreme Value Theory.

One of the most refreshing QF books to come along
This is one of the most refreshing Quantitative Finance books that have come along in the last few years. This book has been a work in process from the author for at least four or five years.

Glyn Holton's mathematical background and experience as practising risk managemer and consultant is thoroughly reflected in character of this book. The notation is consistent and logical, the mathematical/theoretical presentation is rigorous but accessible to pretty much all the intermediate/advanced undergrad students.

The emphasis is on the methodological process of building a model rather than directly presenting the final product itself. This is in contrast to most of the Value-at-Risk books on the markets which up to this point, have been written mainly by academics (University professors) rather than practitioners.

Throughout the book, Mr. Holton keeps emphasizing the duality of VaR metrics in terms of the exposure and the uncertainty of its underlying portfolio. And using the conceptual differences of these two components of risk as starting point, the relevant mathematical, probabilistic, and statistical background material are presented. For the exposure component of risk, Holton presented the mathemcatical mapping procedure; while for the uncertainty component, the conditional distribution characteristization of the risk factors are thoroughly investigated. This 'Bottom-up' analytical approach breaks down the VaR metrics into its 'atomical' parts. From there the VaR measure is methodologically built from the ground up. As result all the VaR models are presented under a uniform theoretical umbrella. This is in contrast with a 'disjointed list of VaR models' approach taken by most of the available literature up to this point. The result is a book suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Well done Glyn. ... Read more

Book Description

This book's descriptive, balanced overview of the U.S. financial system, its primary institutions and markets, coupled with an introduction to international markets, creates a presentation truly reflective of today's global marketplace. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good starting point for business and finance students
This book is updated to the latest development in financial market, institutions and structure.

It concisely presented the money and capital markets with a touch of history and functionality.

I particularly like the balanced view of the authors in their presentations. It successfully illustrates the functional as well as risk consideration of the markets and institutions.

This book should serve well for student studying in domestic financial market and also as a bridging link to international financial system. ... Read more

Book Description

The remarkable story of the Renaissance's preeminent financiers.

Their name is a byword for immense wealth and power, but before their renown as art patrons and noblemen the Medicis built their fortune on banking—specifically, on lending money at interest. Banking in the fifteenth century, even at the height of the Renaissance, meant running afoul of the Catholic Church's prohibition against usury. It required more than merely financial skills to make a profit, and the legendary Medicis—most famously Cosimo and Lorenzo ("the Magnificent")—were masterly in wielding the political, diplomatic, military, and even metaphysical tools that were needed to maintain their family's position.

In this brisk and witty narrative, Tim Parks uncovers the intrigues, dodges, and moral qualities that gave the Medicis their edge. Vividly evoking the richness of the Florentine Renaissance and the Medicis' glittering circle, replete with artists, popes, and kings, Medici Money is a brilliant look into the origins of modern banking and its troubled relationship with art and religion. 14 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Engaging Read
I've only read two of Tim Parks books: "Italian Neighbors" and "Italian Education". I loved both of them. I like his nonchalant style which takes the reader right to the point.
"Medici Money" was a good surprise. I had never read anything about the most famous family in Florence, so this book was a good introduction to the fortunes and misfortunes of the power and money hungry Medicis. Because I don't have a background in economics, some parts were a little more difficult to grasp for me, but otherwise it was a witty account of the Medici's bank rise and fall. I only wished it had more on the metaphysics aspect of Renaissance life and how it related to banking. I also think the book would benefit if it had more illustrations and a better genealogy table (some dates were different from the text). Overall it was a pleasant and informative read. I specially liked his suggestions in the bibliography. In sum, I enjoyed the book very much and if you're interested in learning a bit more about Renaissance and the Medici, it's a good start. ... Read more

Book Description

Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. Scene: the World Bank, a mighty development kingdom of many fiefs, its ten thousand employees operating in some one hundred countries responsible for tens of billions of dollars in aid to the world's poorest nations. Enter: James Wolfensohn, the smooth global deal maker and power broker of gargantuan appetites who has furiously worked his many connections to become the World Bank's president. Over the course of his dazzling career, Wolfensohn seduced everything in his way-surely the development gurus of the bank would be no different? Even if this wasn't much the crowd for private jets and homes in Jackson Hole, for friendship with European royalty and Harrison Ford, for fencing at the Olympics and playing the cello in Carnegie Hall with Yo-Yo Ma, surely they would see what a noble sacrifice James Wolfensohn had made in walking away from his multimillion-dollar income?

Not exactly. In 1995, Wolfensohn struck the World Bank like a whirlwind, determined to reinvent the institution founded by Franklin Roosevelt and his World War II allies. Never has the World Bank's work been more important, more in the public eye, or more controversial than in the past nine years when challenges from global financial crises to AIDS to the emergence of terrorist sanctuaries in failed states have threatened our prosperity. In Sebastian Mallaby's masterful hands, the story of Wolfenson and his World Bank is a marvelous tour through the messy reality of global development. What John Gutfreund and Salomon Brothers were to the 1980s and John Meriwether and Long Term-Capital Management were to the 1990s, James Wolfensohn and the World Bank are to our time: the emblematic story through which a gifted author has channeled the spirit of the age. ... Read more

Book Description

The dramatic changes in the financial services industry have had a great effect on profitability, forcing financial institutions to change their management focus. Increased competitive pressures, tightening interest rates spreads and declining deposits balances have made goals even more difficult to achieve. The Financial Services Industries Consulting Practices at Ernst & Young LLP have developed this perfect guide to help readers reach those increasingly difficult goals. This reliable source of guidance has insight on asset/liability management, branch profitability and complete bank-wide performance program. It looks at all aspects of profitability, including hands-on approaches to: profitability philosophies and structures; balance sheet, revenue and expense components: transfer pricing of funds; planning and budgeting; performance measurements. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, both on banking and project management aspects
This is the only book that covers all of the aspects of performance management in banking : 1. the analysis of performance measurement is very good even though, the coverage of financial data is overweight with respect to the rest of the book 2. the project approach is excellent and the various "pitfalls" described are so true that the people that wrote it necessarily had a good project experience, only problem is that the system architectures described did not evolve with the new edition (the word "data warehouse" is evoked once or twice) 3. As usual with this type of books, the "using the information" chapters are a bit a dry, even thought some interesting ideas are described regarding "customer information" In summary, a must read for any person trying to implement a performance indicators or Balanced Scorecard systm in its bank ("financial institutions" in the title is actually retail or commercial banking) PS : I am not an E & Y employee ... so this is not an advertising review ... Read more

Book Description

The management and regulatory environment of commercial banks has seen rapid change in recent years.This modern introduction to commercial bank management is the most current in the market and reflects changes during the last year that competing books do not.Excellent and complete coverage focuses on bank management problems now and in the 21st Century in a way that helps students apply financial concepts to a variety of credit, investment, and funding decisions. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

TEDIOUS, REPETITIVE, BUY NYQUILL INSTEAD!!
This is likely the worst textbook I have come accross in my finance career. The writing is extremely dry and the authors do not make an effort to summarize anything. They love narrating long concepts and mixing it with dull examples that make you completely lost. The concepts in each chapter are repeated twice for absolutely no reason. This sucker will make you fall asleep as fast as NyQuill - without the good relaxing feeling.

Got exactly what I wanted!
Great Service, prompt shipment, the book was in excellent condition!

This book motivated my carreer as a banker
Professor Koch's book is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in banking. The book is great to read if you don't know much about the industry or if you are an expert. I studied with Professor Koch at USC at the undergrad level and decided to go into banking thanks to his class and book. The book covers liquidity management, credit management, capital management, asset and liability management (focus on interest rate risk management), balance sheet analysis and other interestig topics. I've worked in several areas of commercial banks in Ecuador, namely credit, treasury, asset and liability management and finance. The book has always come in handy. I've also used it to teach at the University level down here.
It is especially interesting how every chapter is related in some way to the ALCO (Asset and Liability Management Commitee).
The cases are also very interesting. In Ecuador we recently had a liquidity crunch in the banking system. I was very much surprised to find an anylisis of a case very similar to what was happening down here in the book. The case was on the Contintental Illinois bank failure.
In other words, I think this book is a must for anyone interested in the industry.

Revised Opinion - AVOID
This is an update of a prior review I wrote of this book, I changed my mind. I hadn't read the entire book but had been impressed with what I had read. The book does cover many aspects of commercial banking including regulations, capital and liquidity management, things of most interst to me as an analyst. However, a significant problem is that many of the examples used appear to be incorrect. For instance, the text often does not match the accompanying exhibits or tables. Perhaps the book was not edited well during an update to a new edition, and either the text or the exhibit/table was updated but not both (ie, in numerous cases they disagree). Whatever the reason, the numerous typographical errors made the book difficult to read, especially in a "self-study" situation. I'm looking elsewhere for a better guide.

great book- seeking more like it in banking/other industries
I am an investment adviser seeking comprehensive texts on various industries. I am only on Chapter 3 but so far this book is a great read. I am learning a lot about banking regulation and how to analyze banks. If anyone has any suggestions for similar authoritative books covering such industries as insurance, real estate, or banking, please write to me at erichplace@yahoo.com ... Read more

Book Description

The Bank Director's Handbook provides directors with the information they need to perform their legal and operational duties, as well as deal with the banking issues they face. These issues include strategic planning, lending decisions, interest rate risk, the use of derivaties, and more. More than a review of the legal and regulatory issues that bank management face, The Bank Director's Handbook is a well-rounded management guide that provides the essential information that bankers need daily. The Handbook is an excellent tool for assisting board members in prudent decision-making for a more effective financial institution. Coverage includes: Pertinent information on board and institutional compliance. The risks of managing asset/liability; Valuable clues and red flags for fraud and insider abuse. The Handbook is necessary to assist board members in prudent decision-making for a more effective financial institution. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent guide to understanding the basics of the industry
One of the best summaries of the main marketing and economic forces shaping banks: how banks can find competitive advantage, price products, measure their performance, segment their markets, create barriers to imitation, manage risk. For NON-banking professionals (lawyers, consultants, PR execs, etc.) who need a quick intro to the banking profession. ... Read more

Book Description

Inside the Minds: Leading Investment Bankers is written by an unprecedented collection of top industry visionaries and explains in an easy to understand language and format proven real world intelligence and strategies for being a successful investment banker. A must read for every investment banking professional, executive and entrepreneur, regardless of your experience level in investment banking, this book will shed light on the art and science of investment banking and help you be a better professional. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

==>Revealing
"Inside the Minds" is one of the most informative books I've read about investment banking aside from my Corporate Finance textbooks. The question and answer interview format made the text highly readable. Answers were filled less with managerial jargon and more with nuts-to-bolts advice on how to be a successful banker. Many of the books I've found about banking are either about how to get into the business or about deal mechanics. "Inside" focuses on what personal values help one succeed as a banker, and how to ensure longevity in the industry. "Inside the Minds" is similar to "Market Wizards," by Jack Schwager, only it's about banking (not trading). Both were entirely fascinating, and I'm still looking for more books like them.

First Hand Look at Investment Banking
This is a great book on the "insider" world of investment banking - applicable for both current and aspiring investment bankers, seasoned veterans, and anyone interested in how investment bankers operate. Having been in banking for 10 years at a tier 1 investment banking firm, this is the first insider account of investment banking I have read. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in investment banking. ... Read more

Book Description

This greatly expanded new edition of Joël Bessis' seminal work Risk Management in Banking has been comprehensively revised and updated to take into account the changing face of risk management. Extensive new material has been included to reflect new developments in the field and to broaden the scope of the work.

Risk Management in Banking Second Edition examines all aspects of financial risk management in banking, from global considerations right down to the fundamental aspects of the management of a particular profit centre. The author emphasizes the need to understand conceptual and implementation issues of risk management and examines the latest techniques and practical issues, including:

• Value at Risk (VaR)

• Asset Liability Management (ALM)

• Credit Risk

• Interest Rate Risk (IRR)

• Funds Transfer Pricing

• Credit Derivatives

• Market Portfolio Risk

• Capital Management

• Loan Portfolio Models

Reviews (5)

technical but with errors
It's easy to find what you need. If you are accessing the topic from scratch, it has some noisances you wouldn't like too much. There are many errors and also some sentences are not clear at all. One example? "Either the sovereign rating is one notch lower than the sovereign ratings, or it is the internal bank rating." Are you OK?

Great intro, but a bit repeatitive
Bessis' volume is an elementary introduction to the basic "concepts" of risk management in banking. This is by no mean a technical book and should be accessible to most people with high school maths background. Judging on the capacity to explain basic ideas in layman's term, this is an excellent book!

However, the author seems to be a bit repeatitive and some basic concepts are to be repeated a few times throughout the book. I find it annoying but others might well find it a desirable feature for a "textbook". On the other hand, although the book is full of diagrams and illustrations, a small number of them are quite puzzling, e.g. contain symbols which are nowhere defined and is probably up to the reader to guess!

Anyway, if it is the first book you'll ever read on this subject, I believe it is an excellent choice!

good overal beginner reference to risk management in banking
The book is very well structured and I think and excellent introduction to the risk management in banking. I bought this book as hope to give me some more detailed presepective of risk management, but after reading it I think it should be used as a side reading reference to finance courses that some of the universities offer today in risk management or financial engineering. The author covers almost everything that we should know in risk management if we are new to it. However, if you are more experienced with finance or risk management I think this could be potential waste of money. I also think that the book has a bit high price for what it offers.One of the main reasons is the fact that the book is written in an elementary/intermediate form. Even as an elementary/intermediate level book I think that there should have been more examples or applicable activities that one can acctually see how some aspects of risk management are applied in the real world. Yes, there are some examples but not to an extent as there should be especially in the field as risk management and finance, where more and more people read these kinds of books in order to see or find how they can apply the information in the book to some real time activities in the financial market or corporate institution.

If you are looking for some more concrete text with some serious derivation of mathematical formulas for finance and risk management, or some more detailed presentations (more complex to read) I think you should then consider buying some other book.

Structured well
The concepts are structured quite well and could serve as foundation for further studies in this area.

Excellent, but Overpriced, Reference on Bank Risk Management
This is an excellent book which I have found to be very useful. The book gets 5 stars for its content. The negative is that the book is overpriced, particularly when the publisher released a paperback version priced at less than half the price of the hardback version shortly after the hardback was published - hence the lower rating. ... Read more

Book Description

"Managing a Consumer Lending Business" summarizes the lore and the knowledge of the business as the new century begins. It covers many subjects a good manager should know: the importance of how to attract enough good accounts to offset the inevitable bad accounts that every lender will get, controlling line sizes, encouraging use by good customers/discouraging or controlling the bad customers, managing profitability with predictability, if he or she is to effectively run a high-volume consumer business. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best in its Class
Managing a Consumer Lending Business is an excellent primer covering both fundamental practices and principles for safe and sound lending. This book covers the basics well and should be required reading for management trainees and those new to consumer lending. This 2002-published book is superior to older, now-obsolete books on consumer lending, and is spiced with anecdotes, quotes and references to mistakes that made headlines. The chapter on recessions is germaine and usually neglected by other books. The only criticisms are minor: a few too many references to the authors' consulting practice, and it would be improved by a chapter or two on securitization and the gain-on-sale practices.

A Comprehensive Guide
This book is very well written. It is about managing a healthy consumer lending business by using systematic ways to plan, acquire, and maintain a portfolio and by emphasizing quantitative tools to measure its performance and manage risks. I like this book also because it provides careful accounts about the history of this industry.
This book is an excellent reference for serious practitioners. Portfolio managers and financial analysts can acquire important concepts for managing their businesses. You might even be able to start your own consumer lending business by following the steps introduced in the book. Meanwhile, this is an attractive book for consumers to equip with extensive knowledge to deal with credit card issuers, collection companies and to take care of their mortgages and automobile loans, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

A step-by-step action plan to quick and lasting recovery after personal bankruptcy.Indexed. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

The Book Works! The FREE Seminar Works, Too!
I attended Stephen Snyder's seminar a year ago in NY. I purchased the book and have used the non-profit organization's services to delete eight items from my credit report. Last month I applied for and was approved a $13,000-limit credit card with 25-day grace period and 9.99% ongoing APR. My FICO scores are up and I can obtain a no-docs mortgage with 10% down whenever I'd like. The book has many important ideas for bankrupt people and I also suggest going to the free seminar. I attended my second one in NJ this month (one year after my first one). I was remotivated and seriously look to continue my financial future. I can't wait for "Business After Bankruptcy" and the new bankruptcy magazine this winter.

UPDATE (10/25/2002):
With the help of Stephen Snyder and his legal services I was able to remove my bankruptcy from Experian. A typical bankruptcy remains on an Experian credit report from 7 - 10 years. I've only had my bankruptcy for 5 years. Pretty impressive!

Amazing advice!
Wonderful! The advice he has given has truly helped me to begin my financial life all over again. The book includes the names of well-respected companies that are willing to work with bankrupt consumers. The helpful hints on how to talk to future lenders and what to bring with you has also made a big difference. I was amazed on how much more information you can get from lenders if you just ask the questions the way he recommends! The author has also gone through a bankruptcy, which gives him much more credibility. I now have a credit card and am about to buy my first house and a new car thanks to the wisdom I received in this book! I also feel secure that I will not end up back in a grim situation as long as I follow his advice.

The book is written in a way that you do not feel ashamed of your bankruptcy. It gives you hope and a solid path for the future instead of reminding you of your failures.

Thanks Mr. Snyder!

Caveat Emptor
There appears to be a dichotomy here between reviewers who have gone to the seminars vs those just relying on the book to fix their credit. What's the point of the seminar if you've already read the book? Or the purpose of buying the book if you've already attended the seminar? The claims coming out of the seminar participants seem wild. Besides, no one should approach bankruptcy without full knowledge of the new laws pending in Congress. As another reviewer pointed out, things have changed in the past 10 years. Having a valid bankruptcy removed prematurely from credit, as another reviewer claimed they did with Steve's help, is extremely illegal if the purpose is to obtain credit fraudulently. I wonder if Steve takes personal checks to repair credit at the seminar -- or whether he requires all cash from the recently bankrupt?

on the road to recovery
I read the review by ebay_princess. Obviously she didn't truly read this wonderful book. Mr. Snyder does not talk down to women. Instead, he encourages husbands to listen to their wives and their "sixth sense." Each chapter is a step to be learned in the recovery process, so no - there is not a graph showing the steps to take. There's way too much information to consider to print it in such a way. There's many ways to establish credit. This book is for people who want to learn the RIGHT way to do it. Mr. Snyder's examples of his previous thinking (that Ford sucks) is written in a humerous way that tells us all to "build a bridge and get over it" if we want to do this the RIGHT way. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to reestablish their credit, whether bankrupt or not.

CRASH COURSE IN RELIGION?
I should have read the reviews a bit better BEFORE ordering this book! Not only is there NO "step-by-step" guide to repairing your credit, but this man is just plain offensive! He makes sexist pig comments such as how he is the "leader" of his house, but he takes his wife's opinion into consideration....well how nice of him!
I hope no Ford Motor Company employees purchase this book, he also comments on how when he found out a Ford was about the only vehicle he could purchase after bankruptcy they were "scared it would fall apart" being a measly American made vehicle and all. How embarrassing to have to call this man a fellow American!
If you want to read about how jesus saves, women are morons, and american made items are junk, buy this book. Otherwise, start saving your money now and and dont waste your time! I'm selling mine right now (I just got it today) and I feel like i'm ripping someone off by even re-selling this crap! ... Read more

Book Description

The business of investment banking has become intensely competitive. With a growing number of clients who prefer to deal with a single financial advisor for all their capital needs, firms must now engage in all major capital-market activities in order to meet this demand. Rapid advances in information technology have closely linked the international capital markets and, as a result, major securities firms have gone global to better serve their clients. To fully understand this changing environment and remain players in the game, new and seasoned professionals alike will require detailed, in-depth information on a broad scope of banking operations.

The Business of Investment Banking is a complete guide to the major banking activities in today's global marketplace. This convenient, one-volume reference identifies and analyzes key trends worldwide, allowing banking and finance professionals to effectively manage deals and incorporate trends into operations. In The Business of Investment Banking, Professor K. Thomas Liaw goes beyond traditional banking topics and includes extensive coverage of rarely discussed subjects that are integral to investment banking, such as emerging markets, proprietary trading, repurchase transactions, operations, money management, and how foreign firms list on Wall Street.

Beginning with an overview, covering everything from underwriting to M&As to global presence, Liaw provides a thorough and rigorous analysis of the current market practices in all relevant business segments. He presents an investment banker's perspective on the current environment, with a detailed description of the strategic decision-making process that is crucial to successfully managing the investment bank.

This thorough guide is divided into four main sections:

• Basic Business—explores venture capital investment, mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, and asset securitization
• Global Perspective—detailed information about foreign listing on Wall Street, international capital markets, and emerging markets
• Trading and Risk Management—extensive data on proprietary trading, repurchase agreements, financial engineering, and money management
• Special Topics—discusses clearing and settlement, securities regulation, ethics, major trends, and Section 20 subsidiaries

Comprehensive, unparalleled coverage of a wide range of topics makes The Business of Investment Banking an invaluable, one-stop resource for all practicing investment banking professionals and for graduate students interested in a career in capital markets. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Good introduction, but no details
This is an excellent book for anyone wondering what Investment Banking is all about, but who doesn't want to learn how to price a company. It describes in sufficient detail, for the reader to understand, the concepts underlying Investment Banking and what they really do in the Investment Banking world as well as explaining in easy (relatively) terms the jargon that is used in the business.

If you want the theoretical underpinnings of the financial world, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you're an aspiring Investment Banker that wants to know what it is all abour or if you're just curious about what the Investment Banking business is about: buy this book as a primer/introduction and if you find it interesting, search for a more theoretical book.

Fantastic, easy to understand overview of the business...
This book is very well written and very easy to understand. It touches on most of the various aspects of the business without over-focusing or under-focusing on any particular area. A definate business school quality textbook, or an excellent reference source. Real life examples are given to further your hands-on understanding. I emailed the author, and my email was quickly responded to in a very friendly manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn the business of investment banking.

good overview but expensive
This book is a good overview of the investment banking business, but it is quite expensive. I would strongly recommend instead or in addition the Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking.... The Vault guide includes more detailed overviews of all the departments and functions of an investment bank including corporate finance, M&A, sales, trading, private client services, credit, etc. If you are a job seeker in investment banking also try the Vault Guide to Finance Interviews, which contains actual investment banking finance interview questions and answers and which I found to be enormously valuable in my Wall Street job search.

Highly Recommended!
What exactly do the Masters of the Universe do between weekends at their Hamptons estates? While most of us have a vague idea of what investment banking is, businesspeople need a clear understanding of what goes on behind the Wall Street curtain. This book pulls that curtain aside with a systematic explanation of the businesses, strategies and tools of the major investment banks. Parental advisory: The book features a technically complex subject being addressed by a professor in finance. Some colorful anecdotes or engaging examples might have lightened the mood, but this isn't exactly Oprah territory here, and we [...] heartily recommend this solid book. Writing with expertise, Thomas Liaw breaks down the current business of investment banking and examines the changes that are blending the profession with commercial banking and insurance, a process that could reduce the Masters to mere mortal servants of global financial services supermarkets.

Disappointing and Inaccurate
My biggest problem with this book is that it contains much misleading information on investment banking -- particularly with respect to securities law. As a former corporate and securities attorney and now investment banker, I found that at many points Liaw was at best half right and at worst completely wrong with respect to some of the finer points of the financing process. The book also contains numerous grammatical mistakes that are extremely distracting. (I would have expected more from John Wiley & Sons. Next time please hire a proofreader!) Is that too much to ask for an $80 book? In fairness, I did not get past the first 3 chapters of the book so perhaps the book gets much better later on, but I sincerely doubt it. In short, this book is not worth the money. ... Read more

Book Description

Where does money come from? Where does it go? Who makes it? The money magicians' secrets are unveiled. We get a close look at their mirrors and smoke machines, their pulleys, cogs, and wheels that create the grand illusion called money. A dry and boring subject? Just wait! You'll be hooked in five minutes. Reads like a detective story — which it really is. But it's all true. This book is about the most blatant scam of all history. It's all here: the cause of wars, boom-bust cycles, inflation, depression, prosperity. Creature from Jekyll Island will change the way you view the world, politics, and money. Your world view will definitely change. You'll never trust a politician again — or a banker. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Do Really Know How Money Is Created?
Do you understand that there is no real money?
Do you really understand the money you carry in your wallet is really a debt instrument?
Do you understand who runs the Federal Reserve?
Do you understand that every time you sign a note, you really are funding your own loan?
Do you care about your constitutional rights?

If you have ever been interested in how money is created in the United States then this a book you really need to read. Griffin gives you facts and analyzes with relentless, cold logic. It doesn't paint a very pretty picture, but it is very important information you need to be aware of. The Federal Reserve System is a legal cartel designed to create riskless profits for member banks, while simultaneously turning our entire financial system into the legal and moral equivalent to that of a Las Vegas casino. Remember, the house always wins! If you have ever wondered what a true pyramid scheme looks you don't have to look far just look at the Federal Reserve, which only functions as long as debt is being created at an accelerating rate.

I know for those who have been living day in and day out don't understand how money is really created. To many this all sounds crazy, but Griffin has backed everything up with just the facts. Now many may reading his material may be a little unconfortable with his conspiracy therory. But as Griffin himself says, if a group of people, operating in secret, create a system that explicitly benefits themselves at the expense of others, what else can you call it but conspiracy? It really can explain all the crookedness and incompetence behind all the wall street and corporate shenanigans of the last decade, doesn't it?

You must keep an open mind while reading but I promise you, the best place to hide a conspiracy is to do it right in front of you.

If you care about your constitutional rights, you will read this book today.

A Bechmark In The Realm Of Civic Knowledge!
Author G. Edward Griffin's book "The Creature From Jekyll Island: A Second Look At The Federal Reserve" is a most well researched and written historical text.Griffin presents the background with almost an air of mystery that the reader must peel away, like layers of an onion, to reveal the truth.

The book provides, in great detail, the time, place, and mannerin which the groundwork for the Federal Reserve was laid, and more importantly, the reasons why.Griffin explains why even the name is misleading.The Federal Reserve is not a federal or governmental administration, and it is not a reserve, such as abank.

Also provided is great historical detail about the commerce and industry in our nation during the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries.This book will not disappoint the reader looking to expand his or her knowledge of how the collective financial machinations of our country are run.

I read this book during my undergraduate years and once presented the book in defense of a historical argument I had with one of my history professors.Needless to say the professor looked at my reference (the book is so well researched), acceded to my contention, borrowed the book "for his own enrichment" and never gave it back!I gratefully let him keep it so maybe he would soften his ascribed "socialist democrat" leanings.Unfortunately I am sans the book this day.Oh well, we march on.

As the topic of Civics is not really taught in public schools, or even required in undergraduate studies anymore, this book will serve to "illuminate" the reader into the background of how private finances and politics are inseparable.My only criticism of this text is the highlighted aspect of a government conspiracy at work.Not that Griffin's arguments have no merit, they certainly do, as Lord Acton so aptly is quoted "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!"However, the mere aspect of "a conspiracy notion" is all the extremists on all sides need to "debunk" a truly great piece of historical research and writing.

I rate this wonderful book five stars.It is well worth the money and deserves a place on the library shelf of every institution and the home of every student of history.

I Can't Believe I Did Not Know Any of This!
This is an amazing book.It is disconcerting to think I have lived 50 plus years, been in the banking and real estate industries a large portion of those years and never had a clue about how money is created, how banks REALLY operate and the incredible history and functions of the NOT so federal reserve.Initially, I was fascinated with the information, but by the end of the book, I was furious - furious at how we have all been led along and controlled - don't miss this - a Large Light Bulb comes on and you cannot forget it or walk away.

A Landmark Work
Until you read this book, you probably won't know what is really going on in the world.
It's that important a work.

Must, MUST read.
Think you know anything about the dollar bills in your wallet?
Think you know who runs this country?
Think that we live in a "free market" economy?

Think again.

Griffin piles up facts and analyzes them with relentless, cold logic. The picture he paints isn't pretty. The Federal Reserve System is a legal cartel expressly designed to create riskless profits for member banks, while simultaneously turning our entire financial system into the legal and moral equivalent of a Las Vegas casino. Yeah, you might get lucky for a while, but the house will always win. Our monetary system is a pyramid scheme that only functions as long as debt is being created at an accelerating rate.

This all sounds crazy, but Griffin has the facts to back it up. The challenging part about Griffin's arguments is that he explicitly states that the foundation and perpetuation of the Federal Reserve System was a conspiracy. Whenever the "C"-word is mentioned, it is an unfortunate truth that many people get turned off. But as Griffith himself says, if a group of people, operating in secret, create a system that explicitly benefits themselves at the expense of others, what else can you call it but conspiracy? Heck, I guess you could call it a "peanut" or a "canteloupe" but it would still add up to the same thing--a system expressly designed to reward failure and punish diligence and honesty. Kinda explains all the crookedness and incompetence behind all the wall street and corporate shenanigans of the last decade, doesn't it?

And if you keep an open mind and pay close attention to his arguments, you'll see that the best place to hide a conspiracy is in plain sight.

If you care about free markets, and your constitutional rights, you will read this book today. ... Read more