Feature
New projections on economic impact of Basel III at odds with IIF estimate
Analysis by the Macroeconomic Assessment Group shows a smaller impact from higher capital ratios than an earlier industry report.
A bullish time ahead for Asia
Asia’s rapid growth and buoyant consumer confidence continue, and the region is emerging from the financial crisis as an economic powerhouse. Operational risk managers and regulators alike must keep pace with this bullish market if they want to avoid…
ETFs under the spotlight amid high correlation
All together now
A crucial month for Basel III calibration
Implementing change
ORX surveys finds scenarios are thriving
The Operational Risk Data Exchange (ORX) recently surveyed its members about their use of scenarios in managing operational risk, and discovered firms attribute considerable value to the process
Dodd-Frank sends banks on journey into the great unknown
The passing of the Dodd-Frank Act into US law signifies profound changes for banks and regulators. But how they should prepare now for the new legislation is still far from certain
Asset managers feel the op risk pressure
Increased regulatory scrutiny combined with investor demand for better transparency and corporate governance standards is driving improvements in the way operational risk is managed at asset and fund management businesses since the events of the…
Mizuho provides a model model for AMA in Japan
Japan’s regulator points to Mizuho Financial Group’s operational risk management model as an example for banks in the country to follow. Shigehiko Mori, the group’s head of operational risk, talks about how the model works and his plans for continued…
Uncertain outcomes – insurers and pension funds tackle inflation risk
With central banks’ discount windows pouring money out at rock-bottom rates but economies still slow to use up excess capacity, the outlook for inflation has never been murkier. Uncertainty has created arbitrage opportunities for inflation risk managers…
Dynamic future for post-Solvency II asset allocation
Solvency II is set to dramatically overhaul insurers’ approach to asset allocation – with potentially dramatic consequences for the bond markets. Aaron Woolner reports
Insurers prepare for M&A explosion
A number of drivers could push financial groups to dispose of life insurance assets in the near future. But a boom in M&A will also need buyers, which could prove difficult to find. By John Ferry
Mexico and Brazil on the road to risk-based regulation
Latin American economic powerhouses Brazil and Mexico are introducing new solvency regulations in their fast-growing insurance markets. But while Mexico has gone straight for a Solvency II-type approach, Brazil is emphasising gradualism and will not make…
Understanding value at risk for insurers
Deborah Cernauskas, Gabriel David and Anthony Tarantino propose an amended approach to value-at-risk that focuses on the drivers of risk and the use of agent-based modelling and simulation to capture the bounded rationality of human decision-making
Understanding the liquidity premium
The liquidity premium has moved from theory to practical reality, first in the market-consistent embedded value metric and then the Solvency II directive. Barrie & Hibbert’s Craig Turnbull explains the theory behind the liquidity premium and how to…
Best in Malaysia
CIMB Group
Bund yield drop gives secondary market the jitters
After last month’s sell-off of risky assets, traders say positive technical factors could push real money investors back into the market before long.
Equity Derivatives House of the Year, Asia
Credit Suisse
Financial regulators tighten grip on banks with series of rule changes
July saw amendments to Basel III, the signing of the Dodd-Frank reform bill, and the results of stress tests on European banks. Credit assesses how investor sentiment towards the banking sector has been affected by this activity.
Fixed income investors look to ethical funds – but do they pay?
Of all asset classes, fixed income has been one of the slowest to embrace ethical investment. Thanks in part to the growing influence of sovereign wealth funds, this may be set to change. But for many, lingering questions about whether constraining your…
Credit investors up in arms over lax covenants
Investors are complaining that documentation for high yield bond deals has become increasingly opaque and poorly structured, making it difficult to gauge the level of risk. Will the glut of high yield supply that is set to hit the market over the coming…
Technology provider of the year, Asia – Numerix
For its continued expansion in China and South Korea as well as its established business in Japan, Numerix is the Structured Products Technology Provider of the Year for Asia
Aviation bears brunt of fuel price gyrations and new rules
The price volatility seen in energy markets in recent years has had a big impact on the bottom line of many airlines, both in the form of higher prices as well as hedging losses. Pauline McCallion speaks to industry participants about the outlook for…
Turning points: Constellation Energy’s managing director, risk, Harald Ullrich
Turning points: Constellation Energy’s managing director, risk, Harald Ullrich
Repricing of sovereign debt would be an 'earthquake' for financial markets – chief economist
The chief economist at Independent Strategy, Bob McKee, explains why a repricing of sovereign debt and defaults of advanced economies would be “logical” outcomes in the next stage of the financial crisis.