With financial modelling requiring a better understanding of model risk, it is helpful to be able to vary assumptions about underlying probability distributions in an efficient manner, preferably without the noise induced by resampling distributions managed by Monte Carlo methods. This article...

It is quite common in option pricing and risk management for Greeks to be computed through finite differences approximation (“bump-and-reprice”), due to simplicity, general applicability and acceptable accuracy (if bumping stepsize is properly selected). However this approach is time...

The implied volatility surface (IVS) is a fundamental building block in computational finance. We provide a survey of methodologies for constructing such surfaces. We also discuss various topics which can influence the successful construction of IVS in practice: arbitrage-free conditions in both...

Two of the most important areas in computational finance: Greeks and, respectively, calibration, are based on efficient and accurate computation of a large number of sensitivities. This paper gives an overview of adjoint and automatic differentiation (AD), also known as algorithmic...

We consider the problem of reducing the variance of Monte Carlo estimators of multivariate estimation problems by combining the variance reduction techniques Latin hypercube sampling with dependence (LHSD), control variates and importance sampling. Under some standard conditions, the resulting...

A credit-linked note (CLN) on a tranche of the CDX index (partially) protects the holder against default losses in that tranche. The holder receives a specified redemption amount at note maturity. The note is priced using market spread quotes for a matching CDS on this tranche

Local volatility models are widely used to manage many exotic options in a way consistent with available market prices of vanilla options. Once calibrated, a local volatility grid can be used in numerical methods such as PDE or Monte Carlo to price and hedge exotic options consistently with...

We analyze the market price of counterparty risk and develop an arbitrage-free pricing valuation framework, inclusive of collateral mitigation. We show that the adjustment is given by the sum of option payoff terms, depending on the netted exposure, i.e. the difference between the on-default...

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...

Credit value adjustment (CVA) and related charges have emerged as important risk factors following the Global Financial Crisis. These charges depend on uncertain future values of underlying products, and are usually computed by Monte Carlo simulation. For products that cannot be valued...