The correct answer is B. Netting is a financial arrangement where all transactions between two parties are combined into a single net amount to be paid or received. In this scenario, the financial institution has four derivative positions with an investment company. The current market values of these positions are as follows:

• Long swaptions: $32 million
• Long credit default swaps: $12 million
• Long currency derivatives: -$16 million (negative value indicates a loss or liability)
• Long futures contracts: -$8 million (also a loss or liability)

If netting is used, the financial institution can offset the gains and losses from these positions. The net loss would be calculated by summing the positive values and subtracting the negative values:

$\text{Net loss with netting} = (32 + 12) - (16 + 8) = 44 - 24 = \text{USD 20 million}$

Without netting, the financial institution would have to recognize the full value of the long positions without offsetting the losses from the currency derivatives and futures contracts. The total loss would be:

$\text{Total loss without netting} = 32 + 12 = \text{USD 44 million}$

Thus, the use of netting reduces the loss from $44 million to $20 million, making option B the correct answer. This highlights the effectiveness of netting in reducing credit exposure and potential losses in the event of a counterparty default.