Outlines the development of risk management products, reviews relevant research and identifies reasons for their rapid growth. Reports a study of US public issues of securities from 1962 to 1998 which examines the introduction and longevity of various types; and analyses the issuers and leading underwriters for each and the countries involved. Confirms the important role of banks and financial institutions in the market and shows that Europe is the leading area for the issue of currency securities and demand for both these and interest rate securities. Adds that Japanese underwriters lead in currency securities and US underwriters in interest rate securities. Provides a glossary of technical terms.