Primarily analytical rather than descriptive, this text uses numerous case studies featuring real-world illustrations to reinforce the application of key concepts. Features: * Both authors have outstanding credentials, are well-known in the finance community and bring years of experience to this exciting new text. * The concept of the use of information provides a strong theoretical unification to analysis of financial intermediation and also links the text to contemporary research. * Numerous case studies feature real-world illustrations which reinforce the application of key concepts. * Boxes covering advanced material are incorporated throughout to accomodate students interested in more in-depth explanations. * Chapter 7 contains superior, detailed coverage of commercial bank contingent claims. * Securitization and Loan Sales (Chapter 8) is a topic absent in most competitive texts. * Numerous practice problems reinforce intuitive understanding of theoretical concepts. * Strong pedagogy includes: chapter glossaries, end-of-chapter review questions, real-world examples and cases.