A method and system for simulating changes in volatility for a price of a
particular option on an underlying financial instrument is disclosed. A
volatility surface model having at least one surface parameter is
provided along with a set of volatilities for a plurality of options on
the underlying financial instrument. The set of volatilities is analyzed
to determine an initial value for each surface parameter which, when used
in the surface model, defines a surface approximating the set of
volatilities. The values of the surface parameters are then evolved using
an appropriate evolution function. A volatility value for a particular
option is extracted from the volatility surface defined by the evolved
surface parameter values. The extracted volatility value can then be used
in an option pricing model to provide a price of the particular option.