The Simple Rules of Risk

Book excerpt: 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.