The thesis is focused on the process of trading in credit derivatives on the global financial markets. The first part deals with the history and the development of credit derivatives from the very beginning to the present and all factors that influenced and affected them during that time. Various derivative instruments are explained, in terms of their purpose, suitability for use and the risks arising from them. Mainy focus of the thesis is put on the selected stock markets (CME Group Inc., Eurex AG, NYSE Liff Holdings LLC). This section begins with their history, then it describes their structure and purpose. It explains stock market membership conditions and settlement of exchange contracts principles. The final part clarifies the role of...