Unique new publication updates the financial industry on new regulatory developments in asset valuations, reports the results of an extensive global survey of valuations users and showcases the products and services of a comprehensive range of vendors operating in the market.
Voltaire Advisors, the specialists in Valuation Risk, are pleased to release the 2014 Valuation Risk Handbook. This unique and important new publication provides a true ‘state of the nation’ picture of the current landscape for valuations of financial assets.
Valuation Risk is mission critical to the functioning of firms involved in global financial system, and the system itself. Appropriate valuations are the cornerstone of many functions in the financial market lifecycle, from trading, settlement, client reporting, performance measurement, collateral management, securities lending, risk management and NAV calculation. Without credible valuation the whole superstructure of the financial system is built on shifting sands.
It is therefore not surprising that Valuation Risk assumes a central role in the ‘Regulatory Tsunami’generated by the recent financial crisis. Legislators, regulators, auditors and standard setters have all produced rules and guidelines governing appropriate asset valuation, and there is more to come. The Valuation Risk Handbook from Voltaire Advisors looks at important ongoing developments in the regulatory and standards landscape, including global valuations standards efforts, the fair value pricing of US mutual funds and the implications for valuation of the AIFMD and IFRS.
The Handbook also includes the results of a wide-ranging global survey of valuations users. During May 2014, Voltaire polled 220 users of valuation on the practical problems of meeting their external and internal valuation obligations. The results are surprising, and challenge some of the received wisdom enshrined in many a regulators advice and vendors business plan!
Many experts in the valuation field have also chosen the 2014 Handbook to showcase their capabilities in an Expert Market Review section. The technical and detailed information provided in these articles – covering topics such as pricing and data sources, models and methodology and operational processes – will form an invaluable reference tool for end-users looking for help and advice in complying with their valuation responsibilities.
Finally, to ensure that all the resources to follow up on these issues are close to hand, the Handbook features an extensive Directory of the vendors providing products and services designed to help users meet their obligations. Nearly 50 firms are listed, comprising a ‘who’s who’ of the vendor world. Ian Blance, Managing Director of Voltaire Advisors, said: “The Valuation Risk Handbook aims to present, in one easily accessible publication, a clear and comprehensive review of the key issues currently facing firms involved in the ongoing valuation of financial instruments, and the sources of pricing, data, models and advice available to them to assist their efforts. Nowhere previously has this information been collated as extensively in one volume, and we firmly believe that our Handbook will become an indispensable resource for valuations professionals.
It is expected that this Handbook will become an annual publication, complementing the range of other services Voltaire Advisors provide to the valuations vendor and user community. The Handbook can be accessed via our website – www.voltaireadvisors.com.
