Complex financial instruments are inherently difficult to analyze, value, and explain. Brattle’s experts combine hands-on industry experience with rigorous economic analysis to help clients understand and evaluate these instruments, particularly in high-stakes disputes and regulatory matters.

We are routinely engaged in matters arising from complex commercial litigation, investigations, and enforcement actions, including criminal prosecutions. Our work includes analyzing the market structure, economic features, trading activity, pricing and valuation, and risk characteristics of complex financial instruments, as well as the assessment of economic damages.

Brattle’s experts have deep expertise across a wide range of complex financial instruments and credit analytics, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, exotic derivatives, credit default swaps and indices, credit risk management, incentive stock options, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, collateralized debt and loan obligations (CDOs and CLOs), and other structured products. Our project teams consist of both industry experts and academics, enabling us to integrate practical market insights and industry custom and practice with analytical rigor.

In addition to dispute-related work, our consultants regularly advise on emerging issues in capital markets. Selected engagements include assisting the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) with the development of the Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) fallback framework, supporting consultations related to US Treasuries clearing, and highlighting best practices for closeouts of derivative trades governed by ISDA Master Agreements.

Highlighted Areas of Expert Analysis

• Valuation and damages relating to complex financial products across asset classes, including equities, rates, volatility, foreign exchange (FX), cryptocurrencies, private credit, and commodities
• Financial modelling of exotic and path-dependent derivatives
• Portfolio performance, attribution, and risk management, including volatility exposure, hedging strategies, and their effectiveness
• Analysis of derivatives closeouts, including termination and closeout amounts
• Assessment of interest rate and credit benchmarks
• Evaluation of credit models and scoring methodologies
• Collateral considerations, including liquidity, marketability, and haircuts
• Economic interpretation of transaction documents and market standards
• Analysis of suitability, fee structure, and disclosures to investors

View Credit, Derivatives & Structured Products Interactive Brochure