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Regression-based Monte Carlo methods for stochastic control models: variable annuities with lifelong guarantees

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  • Yao Tung Huang
  • Yue Kuen Kwok

Abstract

We present regression-based Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for solving the stochastic control models associated with pricing and hedging of the guaranteed lifelong withdrawal benefit (GLWB) in variable annuities, where the dynamics of the underlying fund value is assumed to evolve according to the stochastic volatility model. The GLWB offers a lifelong withdrawal benefit, even when the policy account value becomes zero, while the policyholder remains alive. Upon death, the remaining account value will be paid to the beneficiary as a death benefit. The bang-bang control strategy analysed under the assumption of maximization of the policyholder’s expected cash flow reduces the strategy space of optimal withdrawal policies to three choices: zero withdrawal, withdrawal at the contractual amount or complete surrender. The impact on the GLWB value under various withdrawal behaviours of the policyholder is examined. We also analyse the pricing properties of GLWB subject to different model parameter values and structural features.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao Tung Huang & Yue Kuen Kwok, 2016. "Regression-based Monte Carlo methods for stochastic control models: variable annuities with lifelong guarantees," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(6), pages 905-928, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:quantf:v:16:y:2016:i:6:p:905-928
    DOI: 10.1080/14697688.2015.1088962
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. David Landriault & Bin Li & Dongchen Li & Yumin Wang, 2021. "High‐water mark fee structure in variable annuities," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 88(4), pages 1057-1094, December.
    2. Jin Sun & Pavel V. Shevchenko & Man Chung Fung, 2017. "A note on the impact of management fees on the pricing of variable annuity guarantees," Papers 1705.03787, arXiv.org, revised May 2017.
    3. Zhiyi Shen & Chengguo Weng, 2019. "A Backward Simulation Method for Stochastic Optimal Control Problems," Papers 1901.06715, arXiv.org.
    4. Christian Yeo, 2023. "An analysis of least squares regression and neural networks approximation for the pricing of swing options," Papers 2307.04510, arXiv.org.
    5. Ludovic Goudenege & Andrea Molent & Antonino Zanette, 2019. "Pricing and hedging GMWB in the Heston and in the Black–Scholes with stochastic interest rate models," Computational Management Science, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 217-248, February.
    6. Thorsten Moenig, 2021. "Efficient valuation of variable annuity portfolios with dynamic programming," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 88(4), pages 1023-1055, December.
    7. Wei, Wei & Zhu, Dan, 2022. "Generic improvements to least squares monte carlo methods with applications to optimal stopping problems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 298(3), pages 1132-1144.
    8. Lin, X. Sheldon & Yang, Shuai, 2020. "Fast and efficient nested simulation for large variable annuity portfolios: A surrogate modeling approach," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 85-103.
    9. Alexandre Roch, 2023. "Optimal Liquidation Through a Limit Order Book: A Neural Network and Simulation Approach," Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-29, March.
    10. Jin Sun & Pavel V. Shevchenko & Man Chung Fung, 2018. "The Impact of Management Fees on the Pricing of Variable Annuity Guarantees," Risks, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-20, September.
    11. Claudio Fontana & Francesco Rotondi, 2022. "Valuation of general GMWB annuities in a low interest rate environment," Papers 2208.10183, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2023.
    12. Yaowen Lu & Duy-Minh Dang, 2023. "A semi-Lagrangian $\epsilon$-monotone Fourier method for continuous withdrawal GMWBs under jump-diffusion with stochastic interest rate," Papers 2310.00606, arXiv.org.
    13. Man Chung Fung & Katja Ignatieva & Michael Sherris, 2019. "Managing Systematic Mortality Risk in Life Annuities: An Application of Longevity Derivatives," Risks, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-25, January.
    14. Hanwen Zhang & Duy-Minh Dang, 2023. "A monotone numerical integration method for mean-variance portfolio optimization under jump-diffusion models," Papers 2309.05977, arXiv.org.
    15. Zhiyi Shen, 2022. "Out-of-Model Adjustments of Variable Annuities," Papers 2208.12838, arXiv.org.
    16. Fontana, Claudio & Rotondi, Francesco, 2023. "Valuation of general GMWB annuities in a low interest rate environment," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 142-167.

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