Mathematical Principles and Quantitative Finance

The Role of Matrices in Finance Simply Explained
Learn how PCA and SVD simplify financial data by identifying key factors. Discover their role in analyzing relationships between factors (e.g., interest rates) and assets, reducing complexity, and enhancing portfolio management and risk assessment.
The Choice of Mathematical Space in Quantitative Finance Simply Explained
Explore the differences between Euclidean spaces, pre-Hilbert spaces, and Hilbert spaces in quantitative finance. Understand their roles in portfolio optimization, Monte Carlo simulations, and stochastic modeling. Learn how these mathematical frameworks handle finite and infinite dimensions, ensuring accuracy in risk measurement and option pricing. Ideal for quants and financial analysts seeking deeper theoretical and computational insights.

The Role of the Jacobian Matrix in Finance Explained Simply
Discover how the Jacobian Matrix plays a crucial role in quantitative finance, from pricing bonds and risk management to sensitivity analysis and yield curve modeling. This article breaks down the mathematical principles behind the Jacobian Matrix and demonstrates its practical applications in analyzing interest rate movements, par rates, and zero rates.
The Cauchy Problem and Its Applications to ODEs and SDEs in Simple Terms
The Cauchy problem solves differential equations with specific initial conditions, widely applied in modeling dynamic systems in physics, engineering, and finance. It addresses both ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for deterministic systems and stochastic differential equations (SDEs) for random processes, such as asset price modeling.

The Kernel in Finance Simply Explained
The kernel, a key concept in linear algebra, identifies vectors mapped to zero by a linear transformation. Representing a subspace, it reveals inefficiencies and redundancies in financial models. For example, the kernel of a covariance matrix in portfolio management highlights linear combinations of redundant assets, guiding optimization by removing overlaps.
Transitioning from Discrete to Continuous in Finance Simply Explained
The transition from sums to integrals simplifies models, enables generalizations, and aids in financial applications like option pricing, cash flow modeling, and risk measures. Starting integrals earlier than sums improves global approximation and analytical ease.

The Runge Phenomenon in Finance Simply Explained
Runge’s phenomenon highlights oscillations in polynomial interpolation, especially with high-degree polynomials, leading to inaccuracies in applications like yield curves, implied volatility surfaces, and model calibration. In finance, these oscillations can distort rates or introduce artifacts, impacting pricing and stress testing.
Le phénomène de Runge est un problème classique rencontré lors de l’interpolation polynomiale, en particulier lorsque l’on utilise des polynômes de degré élevé pour approximer une fonction sur un intervalle donné. Identifié par Carl Runge en 1901, ce phénomène met en évidence que les polynômes d’interpolation peuvent osciller de manière importante, surtout aux extrémités de l’intervalle, ce qui réduit la qualité de l’approximation. Prenons l’exemple de la fonction...

Understanding Norms and Their Applications in Quantitative Finance Simply Explained
This article explains the concept of mathematical norms and their critical role in quantitative finance. Norms measure the size or length of vectors within a vector space, making them essential tools for analyzing financial data. The L1 norm (sum of absolute deviations) is highlighted for its ability to promote sparsity in portfolio optimization, while the L3 norm is presented as a tool for emphasizing extreme values.
The Role of the Dot Product in Finance Simply Explained
This article highlights the role of linear algebra in finance, focusing on dot products to measure correlations, Cauchy-Schwarz inequality for risk boundaries, and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) for data simplification. Dot products analyze relationships between portfolio vectors, while the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality ensures diversification reduces risk.

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About the Author

 

 Florian Campuzan is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris (Economic and Financial section) with a degree in Economics (Money and Finance). A CFA charterholder, he began his career in private equity and venture capital as an investment manager at Natixis before transitioning to market finance as a proprietary trader.

 

In the early 2010s, Florian founded Finance Tutoring, a specialized firm offering training and consulting in market and corporate finance. With over 12 years of experience, he has led finance training programs, advised financial institutions and industrial groups on risk management, and prepared candidates for the CFA exams.

 

Passionate about quantitative finance and the application of mathematics, Florian is dedicated to making complex concepts intuitive and accessible. He believes that mastering any topic begins with understanding its core intuition, enabling professionals and students alike to build a strong foundation for success.