Derivatives courses can help you learn pricing models, risk management techniques, and the valuation of financial instruments. You can build skills in analyzing market trends, constructing hedging strategies, and applying quantitative methods to assess risk. Many courses introduce tools like Excel for financial modeling and software for statistical analysis, that support executing trades and managing portfolios effectively.

Interactive Brokers
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Financial Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Market Analysis, Capital Markets, Portfolio Risk, Investments, Technical Analysis, Market Dynamics, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Columbia University
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Financial Market, Securities (Finance), Investment Management, Portfolio Risk, Asset Management, Credit Risk, Mortgage Loans, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Regression Analysis, Market Liquidity, Futures Exchange, Risk Management, Equities, Actuarial Science
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Market, Financial Regulation, Financial Services, Finance, Business Risk Management, Securities (Finance), Financial Policy, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Capital Markets, Behavioral Economics, Banking, Corporate Finance, Governance, Investments, Insurance, Underwriting, Derivatives, Market Dynamics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Interactive Brokers
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Equities, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, International Finance, Investments, Securities Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Market Analysis, Analysis, Capital Markets, Portfolio Risk, Tax, Balance Sheet, Financial Regulations, Business Metrics, Market Data
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Columbia University
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Mortgage Loans, Securities (Finance), Credit Risk, Financial Modeling, Risk Modeling, Financial Market, Mathematical Modeling, Securities Trading, Applied Mathematics, Investment Banking, Microsoft Excel, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Columbia University
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Credit Risk, Financial Market, Portfolio Risk, Capital Markets, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Market Dynamics, Portfolio Management, Financial Modeling, Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Probability Distribution, Applied Mathematics, Computer Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Loans, Lending and Underwriting, FinTech, Cyber Risk, Operational Risk, Scalability, Regulatory Compliance, Interoperability, Commercial Lending, Payment Systems, Risk Management, Financial Inclusion, Exploit development, Derivatives, Key Management, Cryptography, Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurship
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Mathematical Software, Data Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Derivatives, Graphing, Algebra
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Futures Exchange, Financial Market, Equities, Financial Trading, Capital Markets, Investments, Securities Trading, Market Dynamics, Portfolio Risk, Risk Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Risk Analysis, Arbitration
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Hedge Accounting, Derivatives, Private Equity, Portfolio Risk, Risk Modeling, Loans, Risk Management Framework, Regression Analysis, Accounting, Fund Accounting, Risk Analysis, Investment Management, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Equities, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Performance Measurement, Portfolio Management, Performance Analysis, Risk Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Multiple educators
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), Machine Learning Methods, Model Evaluation, Machine Learning, Google Cloud Platform, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Financial Trading, Reinforcement Learning, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Supervised Learning, Data Pipelines, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Statistical Machine Learning, Technical Analysis, Deep Learning, Securities Trading, Portfolio Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Dimensionality Reduction, NumPy, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Data Preprocessing, Unsupervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Machine Learning Algorithms, Jupyter, Advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Artificial Neural Networks, Algorithms, Mathematical Modeling, Python Programming, Derivatives
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Careers in derivatives can be quite diverse, ranging from roles in investment banking, risk management, and trading to positions in financial analysis and consulting. Some specific job titles include derivatives trader, risk analyst, quantitative analyst, and financial engineer. These roles often require a strong understanding of financial markets and instruments, making knowledge of derivatives a valuable asset in the job market.‎
To work effectively with derivatives, you should develop a solid foundation in financial concepts, quantitative analysis, and risk management. Key skills include proficiency in mathematics and statistics, an understanding of financial modeling, and familiarity with trading platforms. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics will enhance your ability to analyze and apply derivatives in various contexts.‎
Some of the best online courses for learning about derivatives include Derivatives, which covers fundamental concepts, and Derivatives - Options & Futures, focusing on specific types of derivatives. For those interested in the mathematical aspects, Calculus through Data & Modeling: Limits & Derivatives provides a solid grounding in the necessary calculus.‎
Yes. You can start learning derivatives on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in derivatives, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn derivatives effectively, start by familiarizing yourself with basic financial concepts and mathematics. You can then explore online courses that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of derivatives. Engaging with interactive content, participating in discussions, and applying what you learn through exercises will reinforce your understanding and help you gain confidence in the subject.‎
Typical topics covered in derivatives courses include the types of derivatives (options, futures, swaps), pricing models, risk management strategies, and the role of derivatives in financial markets. Courses may also explore the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding derivatives, such as calculus and probability, as well as practical applications in trading and investment strategies.‎
For training and upskilling employees in derivatives, courses like Credit Derivatives: Analyze, Price & Apply and Term-Structure and Credit Derivatives are particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical insights and skills that can enhance employees' understanding of derivatives and their application in real-world scenarios.‎