Modern Stochastics: Theory and Applications

The theory of the so-called ${\mathcal{W}_{q}}$ and ${\mathcal{Z}_{q}}$ scale functions is developped for the fluctuations of right-continuous discrete time and space killed random walks. Explicit expressions are derived for the resolvents and two-sided exit problem when killing depends on the present level of the process. Similar results in the reflected case are also considered. All the expressions are given in terms of new generalisations of the scale functions, which are obtained using arguments different from the continuous case (spectrally negative Lévy processes). Hence, the connections between the two cases are spelled out. For a specific form of the killing function, the probability of bankruptcy is obtained for the model known as omega model in the actuarial literature.

We deal with a generalization of the risk model with stochastic premiums where dividends are paid according to a constant dividend strategy and consider heuristic approximations for the ruin probability. To be more precise, we construct five- and three-moment analogues to the De Vylder approximation. To this end, we obtain an explicit formula for the ruin probability in the case of exponentially distributed premium and claim sizes. Finally, we analyze the accuracy of the approximations for some typical distributions of premium and claim sizes using statistical estimates obtained by the Monte Carlo methods.

Based on a discrete version of the Pollaczeck–Khinchine formula, a general method to calculate the ultimate ruin probability in the Gerber–Dickson risk model is provided when claims follow a negative binomial mixture distribution. The result is then extended for claims with a mixed Poisson distribution. The formula obtained allows for some approximation procedures. Several examples are provided along with the numerical evidence of the accuracy of the approximations.

A new multi-factor short rate model is presented which is bounded from below by a real-valued function of time. The mean-reverting short rate process is modeled by a sum of pure-jump Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes such that the related bond prices possess affine representations. Also the dynamics of the associated instantaneous forward rate is provided and a condition is derived under which the model can be market-consistently calibrated. The analytical tractability of this model is illustrated by the derivation of an explicit plain vanilla option price formula. With view on practical applications, suitable probability distributions are proposed for the driving jump processes. The paper is concluded by presenting a post-crisis extension of the proposed short and forward rate model.

Generalizing earlier work of Delbaen and Haezendonck for given compound renewal process S under a probability measure P we characterize all probability measures Q on the domain of P such that Q and P are progressively equivalent and S remains a compound renewal process under Q. As a consequence, we prove that any compound renewal process can be converted into a compound Poisson process through a change of measures and we show how this approach is related to premium calculation principles.

The paper deals with a generalization of the risk model with stochastic premiums where dividends are paid according to a multi-layer dividend strategy. First of all, we derive piecewise integro-differential equations for the Gerber–Shiu function and the expected discounted dividend payments until ruin. In addition, we concentrate on the detailed investigation of the model in the case of exponentially distributed claim and premium sizes and find explicit formulas for the ruin probability as well as for the expected discounted dividend payments. Lastly, numerical illustrations for some multi-layer dividend strategies are presented.

The discrete time risk model with two seasons and dependent claims is considered. An algorithm is created for computing the values of the ultimate ruin probability. Theoretical results are illustrated with numerical examples.

We investigate the pricing of cliquet options in a jump-diffusion model. The considered option is of monthly sum cap style while the underlying stock price model is driven by a drifted Lévy process entailing a Brownian diffusion component as well as compound Poisson jumps. We also derive representations for the density and distribution function of the emerging Lévy process. In this setting, we infer semi-analytic expressions for the cliquet option price by two different approaches. The first one involves the probability distribution function of the driving Lévy process whereas the second draws upon Fourier transform techniques. With view on sensitivity analysis and hedging purposes, we eventually deduce representations for several Greeks while putting emphasis on the Vega.

Let $\{{\xi _{1}},{\xi _{2}},\dots \}$ be a sequence of independent but not necessarily identically distributed random variables. In this paper, the sufficient conditions are found under which the tail probability $\mathbb{P}(\,{\sup _{n\geqslant 0}}\,{\sum _{i=1}^{n}}{\xi _{i}}>x)$ can be bounded above by ${\varrho _{1}}\exp \{-{\varrho _{2}}x\}$ with some positive constants ${\varrho _{1}}$ and ${\varrho _{2}}$. A way to calculate these two constants is presented. The application of the derived bound is discussed and a Lundberg-type inequality is obtained for the ultimate ruin probability in the inhomogeneous renewal risk model satisfying the net profit condition on average.

We investigate the pricing of cliquet options in a geometric Meixner model. The considered option is of monthly sum cap style while the underlying stock price model is driven by a pure-jump Meixner–Lévy process yielding Meixner distributed log-returns. In this setting, we infer semi-analytic expressions for the cliquet option price by using the probability distribution function of the driving Meixner–Lévy process and by an application of Fourier transform techniques. In an introductory section, we compile various facts on the Meixner distribution and the related class of Meixner–Lévy processes. We also propose a customized measure change preserving the Meixner distribution of any Meixner process.