Scenario Analysis in the Measurement of Operational Risk Capital: A Change of Measure Approach

28 Pages Posted: 7 Mar 2010 Last revised: 23 Oct 2012

See all articles by Kabir Dutta

Kabir Dutta

CRA International; Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School

David F. Babbel

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School - Finance and Insurance Departments; CRA International

Date Written: July 5, 2012

Abstract

At large financial institutions, operational risk is gaining the same importance as market and credit risk in the capital calculation. Although scenario analysis is an important tool for financial risk measurement, its use in the measurement of operational risk capital has been arbitrary and often inaccurate. We propose a method that combines scenario analysis with historical loss data. Using the Change of Measure approach, we evaluate the impact of each scenario on the total estimate of operational risk capital. The method can be used in stress-testing, what-if assessment for scenario analysis, and Loss Given Default estimates used in credit evaluations.

Keywords: Scenario Analysis, Operational Risk Capital, Stress Testing, Change of Measure, Loss Data Modeling, Basel Capital Accord

JEL Classification: G10, G20, G21, D81

Suggested Citation

Dutta, Kabir and Babbel, David F., Scenario Analysis in the Measurement of Operational Risk Capital: A Change of Measure Approach (July 5, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1565805 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1565805

Kabir Dutta (Contact Author)

CRA International ( email )

200 Clarendon Street, T-33
Boston, MA 02116
United States

Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School ( email )

100 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States

David F. Babbel

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School - Finance and Insurance Departments ( email )

215 Wakefield Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
United States
610-527-1839 (Phone)

CRA International ( email )

John Hancock Tower
200 Clarendon Street, T-33
Boston, MA 02116-5092
United States
610-527-1839 (Phone)

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