Securitized Insurance Risk is one of the first books available thatfocuses on the convergence of the insurance and financial markets in risk management and the emergence of insurance risk as a non-correlated asset classWritten for insurers and investors alike, this book explores the opportunities available to forward-thinking risk and investment managersThe contributors provide a complete tool box for learning more about insurance securitization. The first few chapters give an overview of current developments in securitization and commoditization in the insurance industry. The book covers specific instruments, their use, and a thorough discussion of their legal issues and regulation. Finally, various chapters discuss important aspects of these instruments' utilization, both by the insurance industry and by investorsMichael Himick is President of Meridian Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based communications firm focusing exclusively on financial services clients. His articles on insurance derivatives appear regularly in Risk Financier and other media covering the convergence of the insurance and financial marketsFeatures    From The Critics   BooknewsOne of the first accounts of how the convergence of the insurance and financial markets impacts risk management, such as the emergence of insurance risk as a non-correlated asset class. Discusses such aspects as the win-win principle behind securitizing insurance risk, current structures including catastrophe bonds, structures notes, catastrophe options, and swaps, partnering financial market tools with traditional reinsurance programs, and regulatory and accounting concerns. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)