In one aspect, the invention comprises entering into an agreement with a borrower to provide a loan of a specified amount on a specified date, wherein the agreement further specifies a fixed rate and a spread; and on the specified date specifying whether the borrower must pay a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or pay a floating coupon based on the spread. In another aspect, the invention comprises an agreement between a lender and a borrower whereby the lender provides to the borrower a loan of a specified amount on a specified date; a fixed rate and a spread are specified; and the borrower receives the specified amount on the specified date, and during the term pays, at lender's option to be specified on the specified date, either a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or a floating coupon at a floating rate based on the spread.