The document discusses critical factors in risk management that financial executives should be aware of, specifically black swan events and the pursuit of fake alpha. It explains that black swan events are unpredictable events with large impacts that are difficult to incorporate into models and can lead to underestimating risks. It also discusses how the pursuit of fake alpha, which appears to generate excess returns but actually takes on hidden tail risks, can be unintentionally or intentionally done by ignoring potential downside risks. This pursuit is encouraged by compensation policies and can mislead on the value created by employees. Recommendations include reducing leverage, interdependencies, and incentives to pursue fake alpha.

1. Black Swan Events and the Pursuit of Fake Alpha: Critical Factors in the Risk Management of Financial Firms The Financial Executives Networking Group Webinar April 22, 2010 Presenter: Bernard S. Sharfman 5613 Jordan Rd. Bethesda, Maryland 20816 301-320-0834 [email_address] 1 Copyright 2010 Bernard S. Sharfman