We study a dynamic contracting problem in which size is relevant. The agent may take on excessive risk to enhance short-term gains, which exposes the principal to large, infrequent losses. To preserve incentive compatibility, the optimal contract uses size as an instrument; there is downsizing...

We study a continuous time contracting problem with risk taking in which size plays a role. The agent may take on excessive risk to enhance short-term gains; doing so exposes the principal to large, infrequent (poisson) losses. The optimal contract must use size as an instrument; there is...

We develop a theory of “risky utilities”, i.e. private firms that manage an infrastructure for public service, and that may be tempted to engage in excessively risky activities, such as reducing maintenance expenditures (at the risk of provoking a break-down of the system) or in speculation...