This is a non-expert guide to the markets, institutions, mechanisms and key players of international finance. The book begins with an account of the development of the international financial system since World War II, focusing particulary on recent developments and the explosion in financial flows. It then goes on to describe and explain the principal international financial markets and instruments and provides the rudiments of global investment. Leading institutions, firms and financial centres are then profiled and their roles examined. Finally, issues arising from the proposed European single currency and the recent spate of financial scandals are discussed.