P2.T6.24.18 Vasicek Model, CreditRisk+, and CreditMetrics

[Nicole Seaman]

Learning Objectives: Describe the application of the Vasicek model to estimate capital requirements under the Basel II internal-ratings-based (IRB) approach. Interpret the Vasicek’s model, Credit Risk Plus (CreditRisk+) model, and the CreditMetrics ways of estimating the probability distribution of losses arising from defaults as well as modeling the default correlation. Define credit spread risk and assess its impact on calculating credit VaR.

Questions:

24.18.1. As a risk manager at a major bank, you're responsible for assessing the capital requirements for the bank's loan portfolio using the Basel II internal-ratings-based (IRB) approach. You've chosen to use the Vasicek model to estimate potential losses and the necessary capital to cover those losses for a portfolio of corporate, residential, and consumer loans.

Portfolio Overview

• Portfolio includes 1,000 loans diversified across various sectors and geographic locations.
• Each loan has an assigned probability of default (PD) based on historical data and a fixed loss given default (LGD) estimated at 45%. The exposure at default (EAD) varies across loans but averages $1 million per loan.
• You use the Vasicek model to calculate the 99.9th percentile of the loss distribution, which integrates the PD, the LGD, and a correlation parameter (ρ), indicating the credit correlation among loans.
• According to Basel II, the bank must hold capital equivalent to the estimated losses at the 99.9th percentile of the loss distribution.

An analyst from your team writes down the following:

I. The model integrates the probabilities of default (PD), exposures at default (EAD), and losses given default (LGD) along with a correlation parameter (ρ) to calculate the 99.9th percentile of the loss distribution.​

II. The correlation parameter (ρ) is essential as it represents the credit correlations among loans, affecting the distribution of losses and the overall capital estimation.​

III. The output of the Vasicek model directly contributes to determining the minimum required capital by calculating potential losses at the 99.9th percentile, ensuring compliance with Basel II regulations.​

IV. The model is used to determine the interest rates for new loans by assessing the credit risk and potential profit from the portfolio.​

V. The correlation parameter (ρ) can be determined by calculating the average correlation between the returns on equities for the companies within the portfolio.​

VI. Proper integration of PD, LGD, and ρ using the Vasicek model allows for a more precise estimation of capital requirements, reflecting the true risk of the loan portfolio.​

When employing the Vasicek model under the Basel II internal-ratings-based (IRB) approach for estimating capital requirements for a loan portfolio, All of the analysts' statements correctly describe the application and implications of the model EXCEPT for:

a. I, II, III
b. II, V, VI
c. III, IV, V
d. I, III, VI


24.18.2. You are part of a risk management team at a large bank, and the team is in a meeting to discuss revising the bank's approach to estimating potential losses due to credit defaults. The meeting focuses on selecting a model that aligns with the bank's need for accurate risk assessment and regulatory compliance. The discussion centers around the application of Vasicek's model, Credit Risk Plus, and CreditMetrics.

During the meeting, various opinions and statements are made:

• Alice, the Risk Model Analyst, states: "Vasicek’s model provides an analytical solution using a Gaussian copula, which integrates probability of default and loss given default effectively. It's particularly powerful for calculating regulatory capital requirements under Basel II because it directly links to the worst-case default rate (WCDR) with established parameters."
• Bob, the Portfolio Manager, comments: "I believe Credit Risk Plus might be a better fit for our current needs. It handles default frequency through a Poisson process and adjusts for the stochastic variability in default rates. This model simplifies the estimation process without the complexities of correlation modeling, which could suit our portfolio of largely independent loans."
• Clara, the Senior Risk Officer, suggests: "We should consider CreditMetrics seriously. Its use of Monte Carlo simulations and a ratings transition matrix, along with a Gaussian copula, provides a comprehensive view of the potential losses across our portfolio. It not only handles defaults but also downgrades, which are crucial given the diversity and size of our exposure."

Based on the discussion, which team member’s statement best aligns with the need for a comprehensive and regulatory-compliant model for estimating potential losses due to credit defaults?

a. Alice
b. Bob
c. Clara
d. Both Alice and Clara


24.18.3. During a strategic meeting at a regional bank, a group of analysts is debating the effects of recent market volatility on their bond portfolio, particularly focusing on how widening credit spreads might impact the bank’s credit VaR calculations. The analysts, Damian, Tanyth, and James, each bring up points based on their analysis and understanding.

• Damian: "With the recent economic instability, we’ve seen credit spreads in the industrial and energy sectors widen significantly. This widening directly increases our credit VaR since it lowers the market value of our bond holdings. Our VaR models need to be recalibrated to reflect these higher potential losses."
• Tanyth: "Given the widening spreads, it's crucial to incorporate these changes into our stress testing scenarios. This isn't just about recalibrating our models; it's about understanding the potential worst-case scenarios that these economic conditions could precipitate. Our credit VaR calculations must reflect the increased risk of default and the corresponding impact on bond prices."
• James: "While it’s important to factor in these spread changes, we should also consider the improved yields that come with higher spreads. Higher yields can offset some of the price declines in the long run, potentially mitigating the impact on our overall portfolio's VaR."

During a discussion on the impacts of credit spread risk on credit VaR, which analyst makes a statement that needs correction based on standard risk assessment principles?

a. Damian
b. Tanyth
c. James
d. None of the above

Answers here:

• In forum