Risk-Return Appraisal of Longevity Swaps

Abstract

The authors show that the transfer of longevity risk through derivatives, such as longevity swaps, usually decreases the overall risk of a pension fund, while also decreasing expected returns, thus resulting in efficient outcomes. In some cases, however, this may increase the overall risk. Risk is measured by Value-at-Risk (VaR), taking into account the impact of both longevity and interest-rate shocks on assets and liabilities. After calibrating a hypothetical fund to the U.K. longevity and bond market, the authors show that when inefficiencies arise, they may be avoided with a partial transfer of longevity risk.