Levy Processes in Credit Risk

This book is an introductory guide to using Lévy processes forcredit risk modelling. It covers all types of credit derivatives:from the single name vanillas such as Credit Default Swaps (CDSs)right through to structured credit risk products such asCollateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs), Constant ProportionPortfolio Insurances (CPPIs) and Constant Proportion DebtObligations (CPDOs) as well as new advanced rating models for AssetBacked Securities (ABSs). Jumps and extreme events are crucial stylized features,essential in the modelling of the very volatile credit markets -the recent turmoil in the credit markets has once again illustratedthe need for more refined models. Readers will learn how the classical models (driven by Brownianmotions and Black-Scholes settings) can be significantly improvedby using the more flexible class of Lévy processes. By doingthis, extreme event and jumps can be introduced into the models togive more reliable pricing and a better assessment of therisks. The book brings in high-tech financial engineering models forthe detailed modelling of credit risk instruments, setting up thetheoretical framework behind the application of Lévy Processesto Credit Risk Modelling before moving on to the practicalimplementation. Complex credit derivatives structures such as CDOs,ABSs, CPPIs, CPDOs are analysed and illustrated with marketdata.