# Multi-period Asset-liability Management with Reinforcement Learning in a Regime-Switching Market

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.03251 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.03251/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Adversarial robustness and RL in finance, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods.
- Builds on 3 of its 33 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 3 Sep 2025.

## Placed in

- Deep reinforcement learning methods / [Adversarial robustness and RL in finance](https://mlsanity.com/deeprl/adversarial-robustness-and-rl-in-finance/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Recent Advances in Reinforcement Learning in Finance](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2112.04553/) (2021)
- [Policy Evaluation and Temporal-Difference Learning in Continuous Time and Space: A Martingale Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2108.06655/) (2021)
- [Discrete-Time Mean-Variance Strategy Based on Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.15385/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper explores the mean-variance portfolio selection problem in a multi-period financial market characterized by regime-switching dynamics and uncontrollable liabilities. To address the uncertainty in the decision-making process within the financial market, we incorporate reinforcement learning (RL) techniques. Specifically, the study examines an exploratory mean-variance (EMV) framework where investors aim to minimize risk while maximizing returns under incomplete market information, influenced by shifting economic regimes. The market model includes risk-free and risky assets, with liability dynamics driven by a Markov regime-switching process. To align with real-world scenarios where financial decisions are made over discrete time periods, we adopt a multi-period dynamic model. We present an optimal portfolio strategy derived using RL techniques that adapt to these market conditions. The proposed solution addresses the inherent time inconsistency in classical mean-variance models by integrating a pre-committed strategy formulation. Furthermore, we incorporate partial market observability, employing stochastic filtering techniques to estimate unobservable market states. Numerical simulations and empirical tests on real financial data demonstrate that our method achieves superior returns, lower risk, and faster convergence compared to traditional models. These findings highlight the robustness and adaptability of our RL-based solution in dynamic and complex financial environments.