Unified Financial Analysis: the missing links of finance (The Wiley Finance Series)
By Willi Brammertz, Ioannis Akkizidis, Wolfgang Breymann, Rami Entin, Marco Rustmann

Publisher:   Wiley
Number Of Pages:   460
Publication Date:   2009-06-16
ISBN-10 / ASIN:   0470697156
ISBN-13 / EAN:   9780470697153

Product Description:

‘Unified Financial Analysis’ arrives at the right time, in the midst of the current financial crisis where the call for better and more efficient financial control cannot be overstated. The book argues that from a technical perspective, there is no need for more, but for better and more efficiently organized information.
The title demonstrates that it is possible with a single but well organized set of information and algorithms to derive all types of financial analysis. This reaches far beyond classical risk and return or profitability management, spanning all risk categories, all valuation techniques (local GAAP, IFRS, full mark-to-market and so on) and static, historic and dynamic analysis, just to name the most important dimensions.
The dedication of a complete section to dynamic analysis, which is based on a going concern view, is unique, contrasting with the static, liquidation-based view prevalent today in banks. The commonly applied arbitrage-free paradigm, which is too narrow, is expanded to real world market models.   The title starts with a brief history of the evolution of financial analysis to create the current industry structure, with the organisation of many banks following a strict silo structure, and finishes with suggestions for the way forward from the current financial turmoil.
Throughout the book, the authors advocate the adoption of a ‘unified financial language’ that could also be the basis for a new regulatory approach. They argue that such a language is indispensable, if the next regulatory wave – which is surely to come – should not end in an expensive regulatory chaos.
‘Unified Financial Analysis’ will be of value to CEOs and CFOs in banking and insurance, risk and asset and liability managers, regulators and compliance officers, students of Finance or Economics, or anyone with a stake in the finance industry.


Summary: Excellent and well-written book!
Rating: 5
An excellent book that simplifies the world of financial analysis by breaking it down into fundamental elements and putting them into perspective. A great way to understand how banks and other financial institutions perform various types of analysis and why."

Summary: Must-read for the complete picture!
Rating: 5
There are many books available in the area of financial analysis. To write something new and fresh is almost impossible. But, this is exactly what Dr. Brammertz et al. did. "Unified Financial Analysis" is the distilled wisdom of 2 decades of experience in the field of financial analysis. It is a must-read for everybody who wants to get the complete picture!

Summary: Refreshing view of integrated risk management
Rating: 5
This book provides an integrated view to financial contracts, analysis and risk management. It is both illuminating and very readable. It proves that integrated risk management is possible as well as essential.


Summary: Welcome change
Rating: 5
The book is a welcome change from all what has been available on the financial risk management shelf so far. The myth of silos of risks is wonderfully shattered, especially with the current financial crisis still towering around us. Each and every chapter is aesthetically written keeping the flow intact. The chapter on Financial Contracts brings out some of the concepts which have been partially neglected so far in financial analysis, such as behavioral patterns. I personally recommend the chapter on Risk and VaR for all risk managers. The book covers micro and macro world view of finance. The book has distinguishable mark of Dr. Brammertz several years of experience in applied financial risk management. I recommend this book for all those who wish to stay in financial risk management.

Summary: Ground breaking views
Rating: 5
Rarely books bring so many innovative and sound developments to the reader. In a time where most of the writers write endless books around a single idea, here is a source of years of thinking. This book is the result of a collective effort of many years and will become with no doubt a classic.
A source of renwed critical thinking, and of rich debates, it should be a must read for executives in the financial sector.