Modeling extreme but plausible losses for credit risk: a stress testing framework for the Argentine Financial System

While not being widespread, stress tests of credit risk are not new in the Argentine financial system, neither for financial intermediaries nor for the Central Bank. However, they are more often based on rule-of-thumb approaches than on systematic, model based methodologies. The objective of this paper is to fill this gap. With a database that covers the 1994-2006 period we implement a three staged approach. First, we use bank balance sheet data to estimate a dynamic panel data model, with different statistical methodologies, to explain bank losses for credit risk with bank-specific and macroeconomic variables. In a second step, the macroeconomic drivers of bank losses, real GDP growth and cost of short term credit, are modeled with a Vector Autoregression (VAR). The VAR shows the effect of the variables (i.e. risk factors) that we find dominate the domestic business cycle: the price of commodities, the sovereign risk and the federal funds rate. Finally, we use this toolkit to perform deterministic and stochastic scenario analysis. In the first case we use the behavior of the risk factors during the crisis of 1995 (Tequila contagion) and 2001 (Currency Board collapse), and we implement a subjective scenario as well. The stochastic scenarios are performed by Monte Carlo with two alternative methodologies: a non-parametric bootstrapping approach and drawing repeatedly from a multivariate normal distribution. When comparing the estimated unexpected losses to available capital, we find that currently the Argentine financial system is adequately capitalized to absorb the higher losses that would take place in a stress situation.stress test; credit risk; dynamic panel data; Monte Carlo

Credit scoring models: what, how, when and for what purposes

Introduced in the 70’s, credit scoring techniques became widespread in the 90’s thanks to the development of better statistical and computational resources. Nowadays almost all the financial intermediaries use these techniques, at least to originate credits. Credit scoring models are algorithms that in a mechanical way assess the credit risk of a loan applicant or an existing bank client, by means of statistical, mathematic, econometric or artificial intelligence developments. They are focused on the borrower’s creditworthiness or credit risk, regardless of his interaction with the rest of the portfolio. Although all of them yield fairly similar results, those most commonly used are probit and logistic regressions, and decision trees. In general they are used to evaluate the retail portfolio; corporate obligors are typically assessed with rating systems. Besides using different explanatory variables, the assessment of corporate borrowers implies revising qualitative aspects of their business that are difficult to standardize. Therefore the result of their assessment is better expressed with a rating. To clarify how credit scores are constructed and used, with the information contained in the BCRA’s public credit registry (Central de Deudores del Sistema Financiero (CENDEU)) we estimate a sample credit score and show how it operates with a probit model. The only purpose of this model is to show some stylized facts of credit scores, and by no means seeks to establish or indicate what are the best practices in their use, construction or interpretation.credit risk; credit scoring; binary probit

Modelos de credit scoring: qué, cómo, cuándo y para qué

Introduced in the 70’s, credit scoring techniques became widespread in the 90’s thanks to the development of better statistical and computational resources. Nowadays almost all the financial intermediaries use these techniques, at least to originate credits. Credit scoring models are algorithms that in a mechanical way assess the credit risk of a loan applicant or an existing bank client, by means of statistical, mathematic, econometric or artificial intelligence developments. They are focused on the borrower’s creditworthiness or credit risk, regardless of his interaction with the rest of the portfolio. Although all of them yield fairly similar results, those most commonly used are probit and logistic regressions, and decision trees. In general they are used to evaluate the retail portfolio; corporate obligors are typically assessed with rating systems. Besides using different explanatory variables, the assessment of corporate borrowers implies revising qualitative aspects of their business that are difficult to standardize. Therefore the result of their assessment is better expressed with a rating. To clarify how credit scores are constructed and used, with the information contained in the BCRA’s public credit registry (Central de Deudores del Sistema Financiero (CENDEU)) we estimate a sample credit score and show how it operates with a probit model. The only purpose of this model is to show some stylized facts of credit scores, and by no means seeks to establish or indicate what are the best practices in their use, construction or interpretation

Modeling extreme but plausible losses for credit risk: a stress testing framework for the Argentine Financial System

While not being widespread, stress tests of credit risk are not new in the Argentine financial system, neither for financial intermediaries nor for the Central Bank. However, they are more often based on rule-of-thumb approaches than on systematic, model based methodologies. The objective of this paper is to fill this gap. With a database that covers the 1994-2006 period we implement a three staged approach. First, we use bank balance sheet data to estimate a dynamic panel data model, with different statistical methodologies, to explain bank losses for credit risk with bank-specific and macroeconomic variables. In a second step, the macroeconomic drivers of bank losses, real GDP growth and cost of short term credit, are modeled with a Vector Autoregression (VAR). The VAR shows the effect of the variables (i.e. risk factors) that we find dominate the domestic business cycle: the price of commodities, the sovereign risk and the federal funds rate. Finally, we use this toolkit to perform deterministic and stochastic scenario analysis. In the first case we use the behavior of the risk factors during the crisis of 1995 (Tequila contagion) and 2001 (Currency Board collapse), and we implement a subjective scenario as well. The stochastic scenarios are performed by Monte Carlo with two alternative methodologies: a non-parametric bootstrapping approach and drawing repeatedly from a multivariate normal distribution. When comparing the estimated unexpected losses to available capital, we find that currently the Argentine financial system is adequately capitalized to absorb the higher losses that would take place in a stress situation

Modelos de credit scoring: qué, cómo, cuándo y para qué

Introduced in the 70’s, credit scoring techniques became widespread in the 90’s thanks to the development of better statistical and computational resources. Nowadays almost all the financial intermediaries use these techniques, at least to originate credits. Credit scoring models are algorithms that in a mechanical way assess the credit risk of a loan applicant or an existing bank client, by means of statistical, mathematic, econometric or artificial intelligence developments. They are focused on the borrower’s creditworthiness or credit risk, regardless of his interaction with the rest of the portfolio. Although all of them yield fairly similar results, those most commonly used are probit and logistic regressions, and decision trees. In general they are used to evaluate the retail portfolio; corporate obligors are typically assessed with rating systems. Besides using different explanatory variables, the assessment of corporate borrowers implies revising qualitative aspects of their business that are difficult to standardize. Therefore the result of their assessment is better expressed with a rating. To clarify how credit scores are constructed and used, with the information contained in the BCRA’s public credit registry (Central de Deudores del Sistema Financiero (CENDEU)) we estimate a sample credit score and show how it operates with a probit model. The only purpose of this model is to show some stylized facts of credit scores, and by no means seeks to establish or indicate what are the best practices in their use, construction or interpretation

CEMLA’s survey on central bank digital currencies in Latin America and the Caribbean

In late 2021 and early 2022, CEMLA conducted a thorough survey involving 12 central banks to analyze key aspects related to the potential implementation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The findings revealed prevalent issues and objectives regarding digital payments in the region, as well as promising avenues for central bank involvement. However, it highlighted the challenges of creating a universal CBDC framework due to significant disparities among neighboring countries. Nonetheless, the collaborative research approach promises valuable insights for future efforts. To protect participant anonymity, each country’s responses were anonymized with randomly assigned letters.The survey extensively examined awareness and understanding of CBDCs across diverse stakeholders in Latin American nations, including the general public, corporations, and financial institutions. These insights could shape educational campaigns and communication strategies, enabling policymakers and central banks to effectively share information about CBDCs.Moreover, this research effort sheds light on public perceptions, expectations, and concerns about CBDCs in Latin America. By exploring various dimensions such as awareness, interest, adoption potential, concerns, preferences, and regulatory considerations, the survey offers a comprehensive understanding of the CBDC landscape in the region. This holistic approach provides valuable insights for policymakers, central banks, and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of CBDC implementation effectively and responsibly