D

Death Benefit
The amount on a life insurance policy or pension that is payable to the beneficiary when the annuitant passes away. Also known as "survivor benefit".

Deferred Share
A share that does not have any rights to the assets of a company undergoing bankruptcy until all common and preferred shareholders are paid. A method of stock payment to directors and executives of a company through the deposit of shares into a locked account. The value of these shares fluctuate with the market and cannot be accessed by the beneficiary for the purpose of liquidation until they are no longer employees of the company. A share generally issued to company founders that restricts their receipt of dividends until dividends have been distributed to all other classes of shareholders.

Derivative
In finance, a security whose price is dependent upon or derived from one or more underlying assets. The derivative itself is merely a contract between two or more parties. Its value is determined by fluctuations in the underlying asset. The most common underlying assets include stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates and market indexes. Most derivatives are characterized by high leverage.