Equity derivatives: Riding the tiger of volatility

Few other areas of international finance have been as disaster-strewn in recent years as equity derivatives. A succession of investment banks, including UBS, NatWest, and Bankers Trust, have been spectacularly blown up. And last year there were widespread losses after a European retail boom in guaranteed products left dealers short of volatility. But still newcomers are queuing to join the market. Marcus Walker asks the elite players how they adapt and survive.