In recent years, banks have greatly increased their reliance on contingency financing. Shows bankers how to minimize their risk and maximize their profits when dealing in these new markets. Contingency items (also called off-balance-sheet items) are agreements made by banks in which, for a fee, the bank undertakes to act as an intermediary, guaranteeing a transaction between other parties. Zamora explains the various types of contingency financing, including swap transactions, forward rate agreements, bankers' acceptances, and standby letters of credit. Each topic is illustrated with a case study. covers all aspects of contingency financing and places them in the context of the bank's overall financial structure.