This book is an elementary introduction to the basic concepts of financial mathematics with a central focus on discrete models and an aim to demonstrate simple, but widely used, financial derivatives for managing market risks. Only a basic knowledge of probability, real analysis, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra and some common sense are required to understand the concepts considered in this book.Financial mathematics is an application of advanced mathematical and statistical methods to financial management and markets, with a main objective of quantifying and hedging risks. Since the book aims to present the basics of financial mathematics to the reader, only essential elements of probability and stochastic analysis are given to explain ideas concerning derivative pricing and hedging. To keep the reader intrigued and motivated, the book has a ‘sandwich’ structure: probability and stochastics are given in situ where mathematics can be readily illustrated by application to finance.The first part of the book introduces one of the main principles in finance — ‘no arbitrage pricing’. It also introduces main financial instruments such as forward and futures contracts, bonds and swaps, and options. The second part deals with pricing and hedging of European- and American-type options in the discrete-time setting. In addition, the concept of complete and incomplete markets is discussed. Elementary probability is briefly revised and discrete-time discrete-space stochastic processes used in financial modelling are considered. The third part introduces the Wiener process, Ito integrals and stochastic differential equations, but its main focus is the famous Black-Scholes formula for pricing European options. Some guidance for further study within this exciting and rapidly changing field is given in the concluding chapter. There are approximately 100 exercises interspersed throughout the book, and solutions for most problems are provided in the appendices.

Versatile for Several Interrelated Courses at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels Financial Mathematics: A Comprehensive Treatment provides a unified, self-contained account of the main theory and application of methods behind modern-day financial mathematics. Tested and refined through years of the authors’ teaching experiences, the book encompasses a breadth of topics, from introductory to more advanced ones. Accessible to undergraduate students in mathematics, finance, actuarial science, economics, and related quantitative areas, much of the text covers essential material for core curriculum courses on financial mathematics. Some of the more advanced topics, such as formal derivative pricing theory, stochastic calculus, Monte Carlo simulation, and numerical methods, can be used in courses at the graduate level. Researchers and practitioners in quantitative finance will also benefit from the combination of analytical and numerical methods for solving various derivative pricing problems. With an abundance of examples, problems, and fully worked out solutions, the text introduces the financial theory and relevant mathematical methods in a mathematically rigorous yet engaging way. Unlike similar texts in the field, this one presents multiple problem-solving approaches, linking related comprehensive techniques for pricing different types of financial derivatives. The book provides complete coverage of both discrete- and continuous-time financial models that form the cornerstones of financial derivative pricing theory. It also presents a self-contained introduction to stochastic calculus and martingale theory, which are key fundamental elements in quantitative finance.