Summary - Other Risks Flashcards
LIQUIDITY RISK
Explanation
Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to meet obligations as they fall due, without incurring unacceptable losses — even if the firm is solvent.
It includes:
- Funding liquidity risk: Can’t raise cash when needed.
- Market liquidity risk: Can’t sell assets quickly at fair value.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Typical Risk Controls (7)
Cash flow forecasting & stress testing:
- Test ability to meet obligations under stress.
Liquidity buffers:
- High-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to meet short-term needs.
Diversified funding sources:
- Reduce reliance on any one provider or market.
Liquidity coverage ratios:
- Regulatory and internal metrics to ensure resilience.
Contingency funding plans:
- Pre-agreed actions if liquidity dries up.
Maturity mismatch management (ALM):
- Align asset/liability cash flow profiles.
Limits on illiquid assets:
- Caps on private equity, real estate, etc.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Unique Factors (5)
Contagion & reputational effects:
- Liquidity panic can spread rapidly (even if unfounded).
Procyclical nature:
- Liquidity dries up precisely when you need it most.
Interaction with market risk:
- Forced selling in stressed markets = fire sale losses.
Off-balance-sheet exposures:
- Undrawn credit lines or derivative collateral calls can strain cash.
Regulatory oversight:
- Solvency II, LCR/NSFR under Basel III may impose constraints.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Acronym
“FLUID”
Forecasting & stress testing
Liquidity buffers
Unencumbered assets & funding sources
Illiquid asset limits
Drills & contingency plans
Use FLUID to remember that liquidity must flow — or the firm fails.
Identification of causes of risk in various scenarios
PESTLE
Political risks
Economic risks
Social risks
Technological risks
Legal risks
Environmental risks
Insurance (Underwriting) Risk
Explanation, Controls, and Unique Factors
Risk that actual claims experience is worse than expected (frequency, severity, timing, reserves).
Typical Controls:
- Pricing and underwriting discipline
- Reinsurance
- Reserving governance
- Claims management
- Experience monitoring and data quality
Unique Factors:
- Long-tailed vs short-tailed risk
- Latent claims (e.g. asbestos)
- Catastrophe exposure
- Moral hazard & adverse selection
Strategic Risk
Explanation, Controls, and Unique Factors
Explanation:
Risk from poor decisions, business model flaws, or failing to adapt.
Typical Controls:
- Strategic planning & review processes
- Scenario planning
- Board oversight and challenge
- Market intelligence & competitor analysis
Unique Factors:
- Hard to quantify
- Often driven by external change (tech, regulation, disruption)
- Long-term impact but slow to surface
Model Risk
Explanation, Controls, and Unique Factors
Explanation:
Risk of loss due to incorrect or misused models.
Typical Controls:
- Model validation and peer review
- Clear documentation and version control
- Model risk policies and oversight committees
- Stress testing and backtesting
Unique Factors:
- Overreliance and complacency
- Garbage in, garbage out
- Hidden assumptions or poor governance