Abstract: | In this paper, an implicit‐explicit two‐step backward differentiation formula (IMEX‐BDF2) together with finite difference compact scheme is developed for the numerical pricing of European and American options whose asset price dynamics follow the regime‐switching jump‐diffusion process. It is shown that IMEX‐BDF2 method for solving this system of coupled partial integro‐differential equations is stable with the second‐order accuracy in time. On the basis of IMEX‐BDF2 time semi‐discrete method, we derive a fourth‐order compact (FOC) finite difference scheme for spatial discretization. Since the payoff function of the option at the strike price is not differentiable, the results show only second‐order accuracy in space. To remedy this, a local mesh refinement strategy is used near the strike price so that the accuracy achieves fourth order. Numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for European and American options under regime‐switching jump‐diffusion models. |