Swaps allow firms to reduce their financial risk by exchanging their debt for another party's debt, usually because the parties prefer the other's debt contract terms. There are several ways in which swaps reduce risk. Currency swaps, where firms exchange debt obligations denominated in different currencies, can eliminate the exchange rate risk created when currency must first be converted to another currency before making scheduled debt payments. Interest rate swaps, where counterparties trade fixed-rate debt for floating rate debt, can reduce risk for both parties based on their individual views concerning future interest rates.