Laura Ballotta

Valuation of guaranteed annuity conversion options

In this note we introduce a theoretical model for the pricing and valuation of guaranteed annuity conversion options associated with certain deferred annuity pension-type contracts in the UK. The valuation approach is based on the similarity between the payoff structure of the contract and a call option written on a coupon-bearing bond. The model makes use of a one-factor Heath–Jarrow–Morton framework for the term structure of interest rates. Numerical results are investigated and the sensitivity of the price of the option to changes in the key parameters is also analyzed.

Multivariate Asset Models Using Levy Processes and Applications

In this paper, we propose a multivariate asset model based on Lévy processes for pricing of products written on more than one underlying asset. Our construction is based on a two-factor representation of the dynamics of the asset log-returns. We investigate the properties of the model and introduce a multivariate generalization of some processes which are quite common in financial applications, such as subordinated Brownian motions, jump-diffusion processes and time-changed Lévy processes. Finally, we explore the issue of model calibration for the proposed setting and illustrate its robustness on a number of numerical examples.

Pricing and Capital Requirements for With Profit Contracts: Modelling Considerations

The aim of this paper is to provide an assessment of alternative frameworks for the fair valuation of life insurance contracts with a predominant financial component, in terms of impact on the market consistent price of the contracts, the embedded options, and the capital requirements for the insurer. In particular, we model the dynamics of the log-returns of the reference fund using the so-called Merton (1976) process, which is given by the sum of an arithmetic Brownian motion and a compound Poisson process, and the Variance Gamma (VG) process introduced by Madan and Seneta (1990), and further refined by Madan and Milne (1991) and Madan et al. (1998). We conclude that, although the choice of the market model does not affect significantly the market consistent price of the overall benefit due at maturity, the consequences of a model misspecification on the capital requirements are noticeable.

Efficient Pricing of Ratchet Equity-Indexed Annuities in a Variance-Gamma Economy

Abstract In this paper we propose a new method for approximating the price of arithmetic Asian options in a Variance-Gamma (VG) economy, which is then applied to the problem of pricing equityindexed annuity contracts. The proposed procedure is an extension to the case of a VG-based model of the moment-matching method developed by Turnbull and Wakeman and Levy for the pricing of this class of path-dependent options in the traditional Black-Scholes setting. The accuracy of the approximation is analyzed against RQMC estimates for the case of ratchet equityindexed annuities with index averaging.

Convertible bond valuation in a jump diffusion setting with stochastic interest rates

This paper proposes an integrated pricing framework for convertible bonds, which comprises firm value evolving as an exponential jump diffusion, correlated stochastic interest rates movements and an efficient numerical pricing scheme. By construction, the proposed stochastic model fits in the framework of affine jump diffusion processes of Duffie et al. [Econometrica, 2000, 68, 1343–1376] with tractable behaviour. We define the firm’s optimal call policy and investigate its impact on the computed convertible bond prices. We illustrate the performance of the numerical scheme and highlight the effects originated by the inclusion of jumps, stochastic interest rates and a non-zero correlation structure between firm value and interest rates.

Counterparty credit risk in a multivariate structural model with jumps

We present a multivariate version of a structural default model with jumps and use it in order to quantify the bilateral credit value adjustment and the bilateral debt value adjustment for equity contracts, such as forwards, in a Merton-type default setting. In particular, we explore the impact of changing correlation between names on these adjustments and study the effect of wrong-way and right-way risk.

Integrated Structural Approach to Counterparty Credit Risk with Dependent Jumps

This paper proposes an integrated pricing framework for CVA of equity and commoditiy portfolios. The given framework, in fact, generates dependence endogenously, allows for calibration and pricing to be based on the same numerical schemes (up to Monte Carlo simulation), and also naturally allows the inclusion of risk mitigation clauses such as netting, collateral and initial margin provisions. The model is based on a structural approach which uses correlated Lévy processes with idiosyncratic and systematic components; the pricing numerical scheme, instead, efficiently combines Monte Carlo simulation and Fourier transform based methods. We illustrate the tractability and the performance of the proposed numerical scheme, and analyse the effects originated by right-way and wrong-way risk under different assumptions related to the parameters controlling collateral and netting agreements. A case study on a portfolio of commodity swaps using real market data is considered.

Multivariate Lévy Models by Linear Combination: Estimation

We propose a consistent and computationally efficient 2-step methodology for the estimation of multidimensional non-Gaussian asset models built using Lévy processes. The proposed framework allows for dependence between assets and different tail-behaviors and jump structures for each asset. Our procedure can be applied to portfolios with a large number of assets as it is immune to estimation dimensionality problems. Simulations show good finite sample properties and significant efficiency gains. This method is especially relevant for risk management purposes such as, for example, the computation of portfolio Value at Risk and intra-horizon Value at Risk, as we show in detail in an empirical illustration.

A Note on Multivariate Asset Models Using Levy Processes

In this paper we propose a multivariate asset model based on Levy processes for pricing of products written on more than one underlying asset.

Multivariate FX Models with Jumps: Triangles, Quantos and Implied Correlation

We propose an integrated model of the joint dynamics of FX rates and asset prices for the pricing of FX derivatives, including Quanto products; the model is based on a multivariate construction for Levy processes which proves to be analytically tractable. The approach allows for simultaneous calibration to market volatility surfaces of currency triangles, and also gives access to market consistent information on dependence between the relevant variables. A successful joint calibration to real market data is presented for the particular case of the Variance Gamma process.