Michael Merz

Prof. Dr. Michael Merz holds the Chair of Mathematics and Statistics in Economics at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Business Administration. He specializes in actuarial science, risk management, and quantitative finance. His research focuses on stochastic claims reserving, solvency frameworks (Basel II/Solvency II), credibility theory, and risk-adjusted performance measurement.

Education: Completed his Diplom in Mathematics (1.1 grade) at the University of Tübingen (2001) with a focus on stochastic processes and mathematical statistics. Earned his PhD (summa cum laude) in 2004 at Tübingen with a thesis on credibility models using orthogonal projections. Previously studied in Valencia, Spain (1998-1999).

Research Interests: Actuarial valuation, stochastic reserving methods, risk theory, filter/control theory applications in finance, and capital allocation strategies. Key areas include Solvency II compliance, pricing models for insurance risks, and quantitative risk management frameworks.

Publications: Authored/co-authored influential works like Financial Modelling, Actuarial Valuation and Solvency in Insurance (Springer, 2013) and Stochastic Claims Reserving Methods in Insurance (Wiley, 2008). Recent articles address claims uncertainty quantification, multivariate reserving models, and cost-of-capital approaches.

Awards: SCOR Prize for Actuarial Science (2004), Promotionspreis der Universität Tübingen (2005), and academic distinctions in physics competitions during high school.

Professional Roles: Program director for the Wirtschaftsmathematik program, speaker of the Institute for Statistics and Econometrics, and adjunct faculty at the University of Basel's Actuarial Science program. Served as actuary at Basler Versicherung (2004-2006) and held junior professorships at University of Tübingen (2006-2009).