FAQs

F3 is the newest product line from FINCAD. F3 is stateful, object-oriented analytics platform designed to handle portfolios that include complex trades and structured products. F3 values a trade very differently than FINCAD Analytics Suite. F3 provides a very flexible method of valuation by separating the mathematical model, trade description and valuation method for each trade. This functionality allows you to describe virtually any trade by combining the individual pieces. FINCAD Analytics Suite also has a broad analytics coverage range, but combines the model, trade description and valuation method into a single function.

Which product you choose depends on the modeling flexibility required. FINCAD Analytics Suite is more economical for those dealing with more standardized instruments, while F3 is a better solution for those dealing with larger, more dynamic portfolios that include non-standard, complex structures.

Another difference between the two products is the risk information provided. F3 provides comprehensive risk reports for each trade and portfolio. When using F3, you no longer need to bump curves to measure your risk - you get calculated first-order risk. F3 provides you with detailed risk reports showing the sensitivity of your trade or portfolio to every market data point and giving you the notional amount needed to hedge away the risk of your portfolio.

Yes, you can generate the most complex simulations even faster. When designing F3 we recognized the importance of speed to our customers. F3 can be easily configured to distribute Monte Carlo simulations on a computational grid, helping you run large scale complex calculations quickly. You can leverage grid servers, such as TIBCO DataSynapse GridServer, to perform complex Monte Carlo simulations on hundreds or thousands of grid nodes, helping you view price sensitivities quickly and efficiently.

Learn more about the technology behind F3. Take a look at the F3 Technology brochure.

Built on a stateful, object-oriented architecture, F3 can price virtually any deal including complex trades and structured products. For a comprehensive list, click here.

This depends on the type of software license granted to the user. For individual users with "single installation" licenses, access to the software is granted directly through registered PC's and not through a virtual environment. For users that are part of a group that has a "concurrent" license, access to the software may be granted through a virtual environment.

F3’s Risk Report provides the 1st order sensitivities; 2nd order sensitivities can then be computed by applying finite difference (aka, bumping) to the 1st order sensitivities.

The Universal Risk Technology™ (URT) that powers F3´s Risk Report works for all valuation methodologies (e.g. closed form, Monte Carlo).

No, F3's Risk Report provides the sensitivity of the value of the trade (or portfolio) to the market data quotes.

FINCAD is the industry standard for financial analytics used by more than 4,000 organizations in over 80 countries. Since 1990 we have served finance professionals working in banks, corporate treasuries, asset management firms, hedge funds, auditing firms, broker-dealers and government agencies.

FINCAD is a leader in providing top quality software with excellent value to users worldwide, offering some of the most economical analytics solutions on the market. The cost depends on the number of users in your organization and how you will be using the software. For a detailed quote, please contact a FINCAD representative or request a trial to get a customized demo.

Depending on the number of potential users in your organization, you may be eligible for concurrent or enterprise licensing. Concurrent licensing allows groups to purchase a reduced number of licenses based on the number of users who will be accessing the software at any given time. FINCAD's Enterprise Licensing Program allows you to license your entire organization, giving anyone in your organization simultaneous access to the software. To determine which licensing program is right for you, please contact a FINCAD representative or request a trial to get a customized demo.

F3 is a very flexible platform and values trades using a very different approach than our traditional FINCAD product offerings. While there is a greater learning curve with F3, you will be given assistance in a number of ways. When you subscribe to F3, you are given 12 hours of online training for F3 Excel Edition and F3 Toolbox for use with MATLAB (3 days onsite at FINCAD for F3 SDK) so you get a good foundation in using the software. In addition, as with all FINCAD products, F3 comes with comprehensive help documents that describe the parameters and methodology used, as well as prototyping workbooks and excellent client services support to handle on-going product questions.

FINCAD provides both self help and live technical support services:

Self Help Services - The Customer Support portal provides user guides, supporting workbooks, product release notes, math and function references, product demonstrations and a comprehensive database of searchable FAQs.

Live Technical Support - Live technical support is available Monday to Friday via telephone and email during the following hours, covering all regions globally:

1am - 8pm EST
9am - 12 midnight GMT

Yes, our Professional Services team can build custom workbooks on a contract basis, helping you save time and get the most out of your FINCAD software.