Asked to reconstruct and interpret the causes of the current global crisis, an archaeologist of the fourth millennium could easily find himself sifting through the deluge of publications on the subject of financial instruments known as “derivatives”.

The study analyses the disclosure methods adopted for derivative instruments reported in the balance sheets of major banks in central and southern Europe in the period from 2005 to 2012 for the purpose of outlining the types and methods of use in the trading markets amongst retail investors and bank intermediaries.

In the light of the analysis conducted, it is possible to observe how the recent financial crisis has not changed the negotiation strategies of the international banking system with regard to derivatives; financial institutions reputed to be amongst the most famous in Europe are, in fact, still intoxicated by these derivative instruments.

This paper presents an empirical-analytical approach with a series of keys to understanding the derivative market today in the post-crisis period.