Glossary

Index

In risk finance, an index is an indicator or measure that is chosen to be a good proxy for a type of shock, and used to determine payouts. For example, tropical cyclone categories used as an index for property damage or area average yield as a measure of lost agricultural production. Modelled estimates of damage costs are also used as indices (Centre for Disaster Protection).

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other key terms

Risk layering

Using different financial instruments for different disaster frequencies.

Attachment point

The loss level above which a reinsurer begins paying under a reinsurance agreement.

Total crisis financing

Development funding focused mainly on crisis prevention, preparedness and response activities.

Shock-responsive social protection

Social protection systems adapted to scale quickly when large shocks affect many people.

Pre-arranged financing

Financing approved before crises that is released automatically when agreed triggers are met.

Contingent loan (or credit) and grants

A pre approved loan released automatically when agreed crisis conditions or triggers are met.