This paper investigates the role of derivative financial instruments for the future of financial accounting research. This impact is relevant what all major research paradigms are concerned. In capital market-based research, derivative instruments play a central role in price discovery. From the institutional and social points-of-view, derivatives are components of a greater quest for legitimization and power. Their operational features, regulatory environment, technological advances and other characteristics are turning derivatives into promising research venues.
Derivative financial instruments; accounting theory; accounting research methodology