The web session A Refresher Course in Financial Mathematics gives an introduction to modern financial mathematics and derivative pricing. It is designed to prepare actuaries without adequate training in these fields for the quantitative parts of the CERA education. The web session is moreover an ideal learning opportunity for actuaries who want to become acquainted with or refresh their knowledge in these highly relevant fields.
The online course begins with a repetition of basic concepts in probability theory including characteristics of random variables such as moments and quantiles. In order to prepare the analysis of dynamic financial models we introduce the idea of conditional expectations and we discuss stochastic processes in discrete time. The online session continues with an introduction to financial mathematics. We study risk neutral valuation and the hedging of derivatives in discrete-time models. The last part of the web session is devoted to an introduction to financial mathematics in continuous time. Topics covered include stochastic processes in continuous time such as Brownian motion and the Ito formula, the Black Scholes model and the Greeks very basic term structure models and the pricing and hedging of simple stock and bond options. The web session consists of lectures interspersed by short exercise sessions where participants can apply the probabilistic techniques hands-on.
The 1.5 day web session serves a double purpose. On the one hand, it is a bridging course designed to prepare actuaries with a more qualitative background for the quantitative parts of the CERA education. On the other hand, it is an independent refresher course for actuaries wanting to brush up their quantitative skills in the fields of financial mathematics.
This web seminar is not a formal part of the CERA education.
