The book illustrates financial markets from the point of view of their subjectivity, namely by analysing one of the most prominent figures among market operators: the speculator. Whereas many textbooks or monographs are strictly devoted to the analysis of financial law or history, this book tells a remarkable story based on markets' boom-bust, expectations, banks' fragilities, market sentiment, desires, and dreams. In light of this, D'Alvia provides unique financial knowledge and delivers a book that constitutes an outstanding introduction to the topic of the speculator through its historical account and its evolution till modern days. Academics, lawyers, financial regulators, and retail and qualified investors should save a space for it on their shelves.

Provides a full overview of the role played by the speculator in financial markets Introduces the topic of market complexity by reflecting on risk and uncertainty in financial markets Identifies the objectives of financial regulation within the context of three major modern financial crises

Autorentext
Daniele D'Alvia is a Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS). He is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London, and Associate Researcher at the European Banking Institute in Frankfurt.

Inhalt

Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 The Speculator, and Financial Innovations: an Old Portrait.- Chapter 3 The Speculator, and Financial Innovations: a New Portrait.- Chapter 4 Uncertainty: the Necessary Unknowable Road to Speculation.- Chapter 5 Economic Bubbles, Schemes, and Market Failures.- Chapter 6 Short Selling: the Bears of the Market.- Chapter 7 Conclusions.