Assessing financial distress where bankruptcy is not an option: An alternative approach for local municipalities

The goal of this paper is to build an operational model for evaluating the financial viability of local municipalities in Greece. For this purpose, a multicriteria methodology is implemented combining a simulation analysis approach (stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis) with a disaggregation technique. In particular, an evaluation model is developed on the basis of accrual financial data from 360 Greek municipalities for 2007. A set of customized to the local government context financial ratios is defined that rate municipalities and distinguish those with good financial condition from those experiencing financial problems. The model’s results are analyzed on the 2007 data as well as on a subsample of 100 local governments in 2009. The model succeeded in correctly classifying distressed municipalities according to a benchmark set by the central government in 2010. Such a model and methodology could be particularly useful for performance assessment in the context of several European Union countries that have a similar local government framework to the Greek one and apply accrual accounting techniques.     

An intelligent-agent-based fuzzy group decision making model for financial multicriteria decision support: The case of credit scoring

Credit risk analysis is an active research area in financial risk management and credit scoring is one of the key analytical techniques in credit risk evaluation. In this study, a novel intelligent-agent-based fuzzy group decision making (GDM) model is proposed as an effective multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool for credit risk evaluation. In this proposed model, some artificial intelligent techniques, which are used as intelligent agents, are first used to analyze and evaluate the risk levels of credit applicants over a set of pre-defined criteria. Then these evaluation results, generated by different intelligent agents, are fuzzified into some fuzzy opinions on credit risk level of applicants. Finally, these fuzzification opinions are aggregated into a group consensus and meantime the fuzzy aggregated consensus is defuzzified into a crisp aggregated value to support final decision for decision-makers of credit-granting institutions. For illustration and verification purposes, a simple numerical example and three real-world credit application approval datasets are presented.     

广义双曲线分布模型在我国证券市场风险度量中的应用研究

经济的全球化、衍生产品的大量出现以及因此导致的金融市场的动荡使得金融机构越来越需要更有效的风险管理方法。而如何精确度量风险是风险管理的关键问题。本文试图从金融收益分布假设着手改善风险度量的精度。国外学者研究发现广义双曲线分布比其它分布形式可以更好地拟合实际收益分布特征。本文首次把广义双曲线分布应用到VaR的分析方法中计算我国股票指数的VaR。实证结果表明，基于广义双曲线分布的方法得到了较好的预测结果。     

Fuzzy multicriteria decision support for budget allocation in the transport sector

Summary This paper compares two ways of providing decision support for the allocation of a fixed financial budget among a set of competing highway investment proposals. The first, which is described only in outline, uses a broadly conventional, hierarchically structured linear additive multicriteria model. The technical focus of the paper, however, is on the second, and approach based in fuzzy multicriteria modelling. The thinking which led us to explore this approach is set out, together with the formal structure of the model. The results of a small case study are given and an assessment is made of how decision makers' understanding of the investment options available can be enhanced by using the two models in tandem.     

A multicriteria model for risk sorting of natural gas pipelines based on ELECTRE TRI integrating Utility Theory

This paper proposes a multicriteria model for assessing risk in natural gas pipelines, and for classifying sections of pipeline into risk categories. The model integrates Utility Theory and the ELECTRE TRI method. It aims to help transmission and distribution companies, when engaged in risk management and decision-making, to consider the multiple dimensions of risk that may arise from pipeline accidents. Pipeline hazard scenarios are presented, and it is argued that the assessment of risk in natural gas pipelines should not be based solely on probabilities of human fatalities, but should involve a wider perspective that simultaneously takes into consideration the human, environmental and financial dimensions of impacts of pipeline accidents. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the model set out, a numerical application based on a real case study is presented.     

Credit risk assessment using a multicriteria hierarchical discrimination approach: A comparative analysis

Corporate credit risk assessment decisions involve two major issues: the determination of the probability of default and the estimation of potential future benefits and losses for credit granting. The former issue is addressed by classifying the firms seeking credit into homogeneous groups representing different levels of credit risk. Classification/discrimination procedures commonly employed for such purposes include statistical and econometric techniques. This paper explores the performance of the M.H.DIS method (Multi-group Hierarchical DIScrimination), an alternative approach that originates from multicriteria decision aid (MCDA). The method is used to develop a credit risk assessment model using a large sample of firms derived from the loan portfolio of a leading Greek commercial bank. A total of 1411 firms are considered in both training and holdout samples using financial information through the period 1994–1997. A comparison with discriminant analysis (DA), logit analysis (LA) and probit analysis (PA) is also conducted to investigate the relative performance of the M.H.DIS method as opposed to traditional tools used for credit risk assessment.     

Credit risk assessment: a challenge for financial institutions

^** E-mail: vangeli3{at}eaee.gr This study explores financial credit risk assessment. This isan important issue because there is currently no standardizedmethod used by financial institutions for the assessment ofcredit risk. A critical evaluation of the most popular creditrisk assessment methods—the judgmental method, credit-scoringand portfolio models—highlights a number of limitationswhen used on their own. Several interviewees confirm that creditrisk assessment methods should be combined for effective creditrisk assessment. Accordingly, the study proposes a frameworkfor improving credit risk assessment, which combines the strengthsof these methods and copes successfully with their limitations.     

尾部风险网络视角下的金融机构系统性风险贡献研究

金融机构的尾部风险关联模式及结构在金融系统性风险的形成演化中发挥重要作用。利用CoVaR指标及分位数回归方法,衡量金融机构之间的尾部风险传染强度,进而建立金融机构尾部风险动态网络。分析全连接网络及阈值法下过滤网络的全局和局部拓扑结构特征及其动态演化规律。建立面板数据回归模型,研究网络拓扑结构特征对金融机构系统性风险贡献的影响。实证研究发现,全连接网络的节点强度,能有效地衡量金融机构尾部风险传染强度及承受强度,并揭示其动态变化规律;各机构的尾部风险传染强度及承受强度排序匹配性存在差异;随着时间推进,各金融机构间的平均尾部风险传染路径缩短、系统性风险更易迅速累积和爆发;滞后一期的节点出度、节点入度及聚集系数越大,相应金融机构的系统性风险贡献越小;滞后一期的节点介数和节点接近中心度越大,相应金融机构的系统性风险贡献越大。研究结果对于金融机构的宏观审慎监管及系统性风险管理,提供了一个全新的基于金融机构尾部风险网络的视角。     

On the construction of mutual fund portfolios: A multicriteria methodology and an application to the Greek market of equity mutual funds

The evaluation of the performance of mutual funds (MFs) has been a very interesting research topic not only for researchers, but also for managers of financial, banking and investment institutions. In this paper, an integrated methodological framework for the evaluation of MF performance is proposed. The proposed methodology is based on the combination of discrete and continuous multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) methods for MFs selection and composition. In the first stage of the analysis the UTADIS MCDA method is employed in order to develop mutual fund's performance models supporting the selection of a small set of MFs, which will compose the final portfolios. In the second stage, a goal programming model is employed to determine the proportion of the selected MFs in the final portfolios. The methodology is applied on data of Greek MFs over the period 1999–2001 with encouraging results.     

Financial networks with intermediation: Risk management with variable weights

In this paper, we develop a framework for the modeling, analysis, and computation of solutions to multitiered financial network problems with intermediaries in which both the sources of financial funds as well as the intermediaries are multicriteria decision-makers. In particular, we assume that these decision-makers seek not only to maximize their net revenues but also to minimize risk with the risk being penalized by a variable weight. We make explicit the behavior of the various decision-makers, including the consumers at the demand markets for the financial products. We derive the optimality conditions, and demonstrate that the governing equilibrium conditions of the financial network economy can be formulated as a finite-dimensional variational inequality problem. Qualitative properties of the equilibrium financial flow and price pattern are provided. A computational procedure that exploits the network structure of the problem is proposed and then applied to several numerical examples.     

Measuring the coupled risks: A copula-based CVaR model

Integrated risk management for financial institutions requires an approach for aggregating risk types (such as market and credit) whose distributional shapes vary considerably. The financial institutions often ignore risks’ coupling influence so as to underestimate the financial risks. We constructed a copula-based Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) model for market and credit risks. This technique allows us to incorporate realistic marginal distributions that capture essential empirical features of these risks, such as skewness and fat-tails while allowing for a rich dependence structure. Finally, the numerical simulation method is used to implement the model. Our results indicate that the coupled risks for the listed company’s stock maybe are undervalued if credit risk is ignored, especially for the listed company with bad credit quality.     

Financial networks with socially responsible investing

In this paper, we develop a framework for the modeling, analysis, and computation of solutions to multitiered financial network problems with socially responsible investment in which both the sources of financial funds as well as the intermediaries are multicriteria decision-makers. We assume that these decision-makers seek not only to maximize their net revenues but also minimize risk with the risk being penalized by a variable weight. Furthermore, we assume that the intermediaries are socially responsible companies, who want to maximize their social responsibility levels. We make explicit the behavior of the various decision-makers, including the consumers at the demand markets for the financial products. We derive the optimality conditions, and demonstrate that the governing equilibrium conditions of the financial network economy can be formulated as a finite-dimensional variational inequality problem. Qualitative properties of the equilibrium financial flow and price pattern are provided. A numerical example is used to illustrate the model.     

Asset portfolio optimization using support vector machines and real-coded genetic algorithm

This paper presents an integrated approach for portfolio selection in a multicriteria decision making framework. Firstly, we use Support Vector Machines for classifying financial assets in three pre-defined classes, based on their performance on some key financial criteria. Next, we employ Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm to solve a mathematical model of the multicriteria portfolio selection problem in the respective classes incorporating investor-preferences.     

Social efficiency in microfinance institutions

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are a special case in the financial world. They have a double financial and social role and need to be efficient at both. In this paper, we try to measure the efficiency of MFIs in relation to financial and social outputs using data envelopment analysis. For the analysis of financial efficiency, we rely on existing literature for traditional financial institutions. To this we have added two indicators of social performance: impact on women and a poverty reach index. We have studied the relationship between social and financial efficiency, and the relationship between efficiency and other indicators, such as profitability. Other aspects studied are the relation between social efficiency and type of institution—Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)—, non-NGO, and the importance of geographical region of activity. The results reveal the importance of social efficiency assessment.     

突发公共卫生事件对系统性金融风险的冲击及传染效应研究

首先基于面板向量自回归模型考察了突发公共卫生事件对系统性金融风险的冲击影响,接着综合考虑突发公共卫生事件的影响及其所导致的收益率的非对称性构建单指标非对称CoVaR模型,最后借助LASSO惩罚函数与局部估计法进行求解,以此构建有向网络分析金融机构间的传染效应.研究发现:(1)突发公共卫生事件冲击会使系统性金融风险水平短...     

Two-stage financial risk tolerance assessment using data envelopment analysis

Typical questionnaires administered by financial advisors to assess financial risk tolerance mostly contain stereotypes of people, have seemingly unscientific scoring approaches and often treat risk as a one-dimensional concept. In this work, a mathematical tool was developed to assess relative risk tolerance using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). At its core, it is a novel questionnaire that characterizes risk by its four distinct elements: propensity, attitude, capacity, and knowledge. Over 180 individuals were surveyed and their responses were analyzed using the Slacks-based measure type of DEA efficiency model. Results show that the multidimensionality of risk must be considered for complete assessment of risk tolerance. This approach also provides insight into the relationship between risk, its elements and other variables. Specifically, the perception of risk varies by gender as men are generally less risk averse than women. In fact, risk attitude and knowledge scores are consistently lower for women, while there is no statistical difference in their risk capacity and propensity compared to men. The tool can also serve as a “risk calculator” for an appropriate and defensible method to meet legal compliance requirements, known as the “Know Your Client” rule, that exist for Canadian financial institutions and their advisors.     

A preference disaggregation decision support system for financial classification problems

Classification is one of the most extensively studied problems in the fields of multivariate statistical analysis, operations research and artificial intelligence. Decisions involving a classification of the alternative solutions are of major interest in finance, since several financial decision problems are best studied by classifying a set of alternative solutions (firms, loan applications, investment projects, etc.) in predefined classes. This paper proposes an alternative approach to the classical statistical methodologies that have been extensively used for the study of financial classification problems. The proposed methodology combines the preference disaggregation approach (a multicriteria decision aid method) with decision support systems. More specifically, the FINancial CLASsification (FINCLAS) multicriteria decision support system is presented. The system incorporates a plethora of financial modeling tools, along with powerful preference disaggregation methods that lead to the development of additive utility models for the classification of the considered alternatives into predefined classes. An application in credit granting is used to illustrate the capabilities of the system.     

Multicriteria decision support methodologies for auditing decisions: The case of qualified audit reports in the UK

All UK companies are required by company law to prepare financial statements that must comply with law and accounting standards. With the exception of very small companies, financial accounts must then be audited by UK registered auditors who must express an opinion on whether these statements are free from material misstatements, and have been prepared in accordance with legislation and relevant accounting standards (unqualified opinion) or not (qualified opinion). The objective of the present study is to explore the potentials of developing multicriteria decision aid models for reproducing, as accurately as possible, the auditors’ opinion on the financial statements of the firms. A sample of 625 company audited years with qualified statements and 625 ones with unqualified financial statements over the period 1998–2003 from 823 manufacturing private and public companies is being used in contrast to most of the previous works in the UK that have mainly focused on very small or very large public companies. Furthermore, the models are being developed and tested using the walk-forward approach as opposed to previous studies that employ simple holdout tests or resampling techniques. Discriminant analysis and logit analysis are also used for comparison purposes. The out-of-time and out-of-sample testing results indicate that the two multicriteria decision aid techniques achieve almost equal classification accuracies and are both more efficient than discriminant and logit analysis.     

Large exposure estimation through automatic business group identification

Large exposure rules are considered critical for financial institutions, as they directly restrict the lending activity of banks to clients. However, empirical evidence suggests that those rules are difficult both for regulators to enforce and for financial institutions to implement. We present a data-driven analytical model that automatically and algorithmically creates groups of related parties based on ownership information, financial dependencies, business associations, and family ties. We develop a methodology based on linear algebra and networks to group clients, highlight missing critical information, and identify unreported business partners. The approach can be used both prospectively by banking institutions analyzing credit risk and by regulators. We include a case study, applying the methodology retrospectively to highlight large exposure violations and systemic risk leading up to the 2008 banking crises in Iceland.