Derivatives are contracts made between two people (or companies) to exchange something (a financial asset or obligation) at a certain time in the future. Derivatives law is a set of laws and regulations designed to protect people who use derivatives from being taken advantage of. The laws are meant to make sure that the terms of the contract are fair and that the parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities when they enter into the agreement. They also provide a means of recourse in case one party doesn't uphold their end of the deal. Essentially, derivatives law ensures that people who use derivatives are not taken advantage of, and that they know exactly what they're agreeing to.