ACM30070 Computational Finance

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module extends the theory introduced in the modules PDEs in Financial Maths ACM30080 and Foundations for Financial Mathematics MATH20180 by emphasizing their practical applications to financial problems. In particular, students will use Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Python and Fincad Analytic Suite to implement financial models.
The module has topics chosen from the following: fixed-income securities (analysis and portfolio immunization); option pricing with binomial trees and issues related to trees convergence; the Black-Scholes model; introduction to path-dependent options (American and Asian options); option pricing and Greeks estimate by Monte Carlo Methods; option pricing by Finite Difference Methods; barrier option pricing.

Students must have a mobile (laptop) computer with the capability to run Windows-based software and a Virtual Machine (in case of Mac laptop).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

- implement financial models and techniques in both VBA and Python;
- compute future and present values of a security:
- apply the Binomial Tree Method to price a given option under certain conditions and discuss issues related to the convergence;
- implement the Black-Scholes model;
- price American and Asian options;
- use Monte Carlo methods in option pricing and Greeks estimate;
- use Finite Difference Methods in option pricing;
- price barrier options (time permitting).

Indicative Module Content:

- Derivatives: Forward, Future, Options. Main features and differences.

- A concise introduction to asset pricing: definitions of fair price, trading strategies, self-financing and admissible portfolio. No arbitrage principle, martingales and information. Martingale Measure. Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing.

- The Black-Scholes-Merton Model: assumptions, derivation of the BS PDE, uniqueness of solution and equivalence with the heat equation. BS equations for European Call and Put. Greeks. Implied Volatility.

- The binomial model for option pricing: one step tree, replication and risk neutral argument. Multi-Step trees for European and American Options. Exotic Options. The CRR model. Delta-Hedging. Control Variate Technique. Convergence to the BS model.

- Monte Carlo Method: Geometric Brownian Motion generation and risk-neutral valuation. Option Pricing. Greeks Estimation. Antithetic Variate and Control Variate Techniques. Asian Options.

- Finite Difference Method for option pricing: Derivatives approximations and Boundary Conditions. Explicit Method, Implicit Method, Crank-Nicolson Method. Barrier Options.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Specified Learning Activities

16
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and Tutorial with use of laptop.

• To stimulate curiosity, independence and significant learning, I introduced a flipped-classroom and enquiry-based student-centred approach. Students gained familiarity with computational thinking practice, data analysis, financial concepts by a combination of lectures with group projects, problem solving activities, real-world applications (O'Connor, 2012). They were engaged in an active learning environment using technology (Python, FinCad and VBA), groups activities and peer-assisted learning. Knowledge was developed through reflections and comparisons (Harland, 2003). To stimulate students’ self-assessment, formative feedbacks were provided after each activity.

• The learning process was supported by teaching assistants. They helped peers in driving brainstorming, discussions, question/answers. They also took field-notes on my teaching practice and students’ feedbacks.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

1) FIN20010 Principle of Finance or FIN20040 Foundations in Finance or any introductory Finance Module
2) ECON10720 Microeconometrics for Business or any Microeconometrics or Macroeconometrics module
3) ACM30220 Partial Differential Equation or ACM30080 PDE in Financial Mathematics or any PDE module

constitute pre-requisites to take this module.

Learning Recommendations:

A prior knowledge of Python coding language is also required (STAT40800 Data Programming with Python (OL) is highly recommended as optional in Autumn Trimester)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ACM30110 - Advanced Computational Finance

Additional Information:
An introductory module in Financial Mathematics, An introductory module in Microeconometrics or Macroeconomics, A PDE module must be taken before Computational Finance. A prior knowledge of Python coding language is also required.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Continuous Assessment:
- Homework 1 (10%)
- Homework 2 (10 %)
 Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Examination: Final Examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

80

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr Rian Dolphin Tutor
Mr James Hannon Tutor