A Study of Risk Factor Models: Theoretical Derivations and Practical Applications

Abstract: This thesis provides an end-to-end picture of the modelling of interest rates and Foreign Exchange (FX) rates. We start by defining the FX rates and the interest rates. After having a good understanding of the basics, we take a deep dive into the approaches commonly used to model interest rates and FX rates respectively. In particular, we present an interest rate model and a FX rate model that I have developed for man- aging Swedbank’s Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR). In addition to the mathematical derivations, we describe the theories underlying the models, discuss the model com- parisons, and explain the model choices made in practical applications. Finally, we provide a prototype of model implementation to illustrate how theory can be put into practice. I had some doubts about the interest rate model and the FX rate model that I have developed for managing Swedbank’s CCR. These doubts have been cleared up through this thesis work. Both the doubts and the clarifications are described in this thesis.