Book 335

Synthetic and Structured Assets

by Erik Banks

Published 1 January 2006
Organized along product lines, the book will analyze many of the original classes of structured assets, including mortgage- and asset-backed securities and strips, as well as the newest structured and synthetic instruments, including exchange-traded funds, credit derivative-based collateralized debt obligations, total return swaps, contingent convertibles, and insurance-linked securities. Two introductory chapters will outline the scope of the market, key definitions, participant motivations/goals, economics of structuring and synthetic replication, and the central "building blocks" used in the creation of synthetic/structured assets (including on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, derivatives, shelf registration debt programs, private placements, trusts, and special purpose entities). Eight product chapters will then examine the main instruments of the marketplace: mortgage- and asset-backed securities, stripped/reconstituted government securities, collateralized debt obligations, structured notes, insurance-linked securities, exchange-traded funds, convertible bond variations, and derivatives/synthetic asset replication.
Each product chapter will contain product descriptions, structural features (e.g., trading conventions, settlement), arbitrage/investment drivers, and various worked examples and diagrams that emphasize practical investment and risk applications; financial mathematics will be kept to a minimum. A concluding chapter will review the essential risk, legal, regulatory, and accounting features of synthetic and structured assets in the world's major markets.

Book 486

The Simple Rules of Risk

by Erik Banks

Published 15 October 2002
In an age where companies and financial institutions are keenly focused on managing the financial risk of their operations, the implementation of quantitative methods and models has been of tremendous help. Tools such as VaR, credit VaR, risk-adjusted returns, and scenario analyses have given institutions the means to quantify and understand their risk profiles. However, the focus on quantitative risk management, while important, can sometimes be over-emphasized--at the expense of logic and experience. At its core, the successful management of risk is still largely an "art." The Simple Rules of Risk takes a fresh look at the qualitative aspects of risk management. It also considers how qualitative approaches can make optimal use of the mathematical aspects of risk management to create the most effective framework possible.

Book 496

Exchange-Traded Derivatives

by Erik Banks

Published 8 April 2003
"Exchange-Traded Derivatives" provides an overview of the global listed futures and options markets, and how individual exchanges and products are adapting to a new operating environment - an environment characterized by rapid, almost continuous, change. This book serves as an ideal resource on the 21st century listed derivative markets, products and instruments. Divided into three parts, "Exchange-Traded Derivatives" begins by providing an overall understanding of the marketplace and the forces that have, and are, altering the operating environment - stressing how exchanges need to change in order to cope with the challenges.The author then provides a comprehensive description of leading established exchanges, detailing their origins and structure, range of products and services, strengths and 'weaknesses'. The book concludes with a look at emerging marketplaces - those in developing countries as well as new "electronic" platforms - that are likely to increase in importance over the coming years.
"Exchange-Traded Derivatives" is a valuable reference for fund managers, corporate treasurers, corporate risk managers, CFOs and those seeking a detailed guide to the world's derivative exchanges and products.

Book 499

Catastrophic Risk

by Erik Banks

Published 1 January 2005
Catastrophic risk is one of the most significant and challenging areas of corporate risk management. Analyze this risk for your company with Catastrophic Risk and make sure you have sufficient resources to absorb losses and avoid financial distress.

The first comprehensive volume to address this topic from a financial perspective, this book is a guide to the worst financial risks threatening companies and industries today. Author Eric Banks begins with a consideration of ?catastrophe? and its mplications, looks at the state of actuarial and financial modelling of catastrophe risks, and discusses the creation of a risk management framework that will enable the efficient and secure management of exposure. Catastrophic Risk is essential reading if you're a corporate treasurer, CFO, or insurance/financial risk manager responsible for corporate risk management. Order your copy today.


Alternative Risk Transfer

by Erik Banks

Published 1 January 2004
A practical approach to ART-an alternative method by which companies take on various types of risk
This comprehensive book shows readers what ART is, how it can be used to mitigate risk, and how certain instruments/structures associated with ART should be implemented. Through numerous examples and case studies, readers will learn what actually works and what doesn't when using this technique.
Erik Banks (CT) joined XL Capital's weather/energy risk management subsidiary, Element Re, as a Partner and Chief Risk Officer in 2001.