Which of the following instrument is subject to counter party risk?

Solution

Forwards are subject to counterparty risk because they are private contracts between two parties, and there is a risk that one party may default on their obligations. In contrast, futures contracts (option B) are typically traded on organized exchanges with a clearinghouse acting as the counterparty to both parties, reducing counterparty risk. Options (option C) also involve counterparty risk, but it is generally lower compared to forwards because options are standardized and often traded on organized exchanges with similar clearing mechanisms as futures contracts.