Model Risk - Great Unknown for Pension Plans
In "How Street Rode The Risk Ledge And Fell Over," Wall Street Journal reporter Justin Lahart writes that "many lenders, funds and brokerages were following statistical models that grossly underestimated how risky the market environment had become." Warnings about model error or "model risk" are not new. In "Model Risk and Valuation" (Valuation Strategies - March/April 2003), Dr. Susan M. Mangiero, CFA and Accredited Valuation Analyst, suggests possible red flags, adding that the consequences of a poor, inaccurate or incomplete model (or problems with data) can be dire. She adds that what constitutes a "good" model is likewise important to assess. This is sometimes made more difficult when inputs themselves must be modeled. For example, in the case of derivatives related to credit risk or mortgage loans (dominating headlines of late), estimating variables such as prepayment or recovery rates is an important precursor to any valuation of the derivative instrument itself. Email us if you would like articles about model risk and valuation.
