Quant Congress: Default rate data "underestimates structured credit risks"
Rating agencies' method for dating default event statistics has led to the systematic mispricing of risk in structured credit models, according to Robert Jarrow, professor of finance and economics at Cornell University.
Speaking at Risk's Quant Congress event in New York on July 15, Jarrow explained how the convention of using the official bankruptcy as the default event had led to overoptimistic recovery rate assumptions.
"This date is based on when some clerk files a bankruptcy claim, but in fact the market has usually known for some time about the default" and sold the underlying, he said. As a result, recovery
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@risk.net
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@risk.net
More on Risk management
Top 10 op risks 2026: Cyber stays top, AI risk enters at fifth
Third-party and outsourcing risk climbs to third; fraud and fincrime edge out geopolitical risk
Deutsche Bank CRO’s year of living dangerously
Marcus Chromik explains his approach to geopolitical risk, operational resilience and AI adoption
EU can handle energy price pressure – it’s been here before
Reforms made after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have made region more resilient to energy shocks, officials say
Rising reliance on internal auditors spooks regulators and industry
Risk managers warn US is substituting supervisors with auditors; could compromise independence
What futures and options say about the cost of war
Spot prices reveal major disruption, futures indicate this will pass, options imply ongoing instability
For collateral, can TINA become TIA?
US Treasuries’ dominance as collateral in repo and derivatives is no longer set in stone, argues economist
CME-FICC cross-netting terms fuel clashes
Hedge funds worried by CCP powers to suspend arrangement; clearing members say it’s standard practice
A Hormuz tipping point may be days away
Agent-based model suggests delays and shortages likely to accelerate after four weeks