This paper explores the application of contingent claims analysis (CCA) to two quot;hotquot; issues in life-cycle finance: (1) investing for retirement and (2) deciding when, if ever, to switch careers. Participants in individual retirement accounts do not have the time or the knowledge to make...

This paper compares two diff erent types of private retirement plans from the perspective of a representative benefi ciary: De fined Benefi t (DB) and Defi ned Contribution (DC) plan. One of the key di fferences is that DB plans carry portability risks, whereas DC plans bear asset and...

This paper examines the allocation of market risk in a general class of collective pension arrangements: Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes. In a CDC scheme participants collectively share funding risk through benefit level adjustments. There is a concern that, if not well designed,...

In this paper, we address the mathematical analysis and numerical solution of a model for pricing a defined benefit pension plan. More precisely, the benefits received by the member of the plan depend on the average salary and early retirement is allowed. Thus, the mathematical model is posed as...

Over the last 10 years or so a mathematical theory of bubbles has emerged, following a martingale theory based on an absence of arbitrage, as opposed to an equilibrium theory. This paper attempts to explain the major developments of the theory as it currently stands, including equities, options,...

VaR_Delta-Normal fails in two counts: subadditivity and potentially producing losses larger than its portfolio value. This paper solves the second inconsistency developing formulas derived from a put option, named PVaR_Delta-Normal and Put_Expected_Shortfall, PSF_Delta-Normal; the latter also...

The simultaneous unwinding of leveraged positions can trigger financial market turbulence. Although balance-sheet measures of leverage are available, it is useful to construct a measure of leverage that incorporates both on- and off-balance-sheet activities. This paper provides measures of...

We develop a parsimonious model to study the equilibrium structure of over-the-counter securities markets. We show that regulations aimed at reducing counterparty risk and improving liquidity can be ineffcient. Such regulations have a direct positive effect on entry in those markets, thus...

Government-issued longevity bonds would allow longevity risk to be shared efficiently and fairly between generations. In exchange for paying a longevity risk premium, the current generation of retirees can look to future generations to hedge their aggregate longevity risk. There are also wider...

This paper provides a detailed quantitative assessment of the impact of solvency capital requirements on product pricing and shareholder value for a life insurer. A multi-period firm value maximization model for a life annuity provider, allowing for stochastic mortality and asset returns,...