The author's have provided a clear vision of the French financial sector, which is often underestimated by the international community. The rate of change has been significant, with the size of Paris as a financial centre growing significantly faster than New York, Frankfurt, and even London and Tokyo. The modernisation that has been undertaken, which is responsible for this growth, has affected all aspects of the French financial markets; particularly, the status of the players and the institutional regime, and also the financial instruments and back-office tools. This book is essential reading for anyone dealing with this increasingly important European financial centre.