Global Financial Systems is an innovative, interdisciplinary text that explores the 'why' behind global financial stability. Danielsson draws on economic theory, finance, mathematical modelling, risk theory, and policy to posit a coherent and current analysis of the global financial system. "Nicely and clearly written for an undergraduate audience...the book has a fresh perspective that will differentiate it from pre-crisis texts" Professor Goodhart, Professor Emeritus, London School of Economics "Global Financial Systems: Stability and Risk, looks to be an important book... it will appeal to those interested in regulation as well as those more on the regulatory side." Professor Caprio, William Brough Professor of Economics at Williams College and Chair, Center for Development Economics Jon Danielsson is Director of the Systemic Risk Centre, London School of Economics, and Reader in Finance Visit the author's personal website at http://www.globalfinancialsystems.org/ to read two online chapters covering the latest developments.

A challenge to the conventional wisdom surrounding financial risk, providing insight into why easy solutions to control the financial system are doomed to fail Finance plays a key role in the prosperity of the modern world-but it also brings grave dangers. We seek to manage those threats with a vast array of sophisticated mathematical tools and techniques of financial risk management. Too often, though, we fail to address the greatest risk-the peril posed by our own behavior. Jon Danielsson argues that critical risk is generated from within, through the interactions of individuals and perpetuated by their beliefs, objectives, abilities, and prejudices. He asserts that the widespread belief that risk originates outside the financial system frustrates our ability to measure and manage it, and the likely consequences of new regulations will help alleviate small-scale risks but, perversely, encourage excessive risk taking. Danielsson uses lessons from past and recent crises to show that diversity is the best way to safeguard our financial system.