We compare four different test approaches for the calibration quality of internal rating systems in the case of dependent default events. Two of them are approximation approaches and two are simulation approaches of one- and multi-factor models. We find that multi-factor models generate more...

We analyze gender differences associated with loan officer performance. Using a unique data set for a commercial bank over the period 1996 to 2006, we find that loans screened and monitored by female loan officers show a statistically and economically significant lower likelihood to turn...

We develop a shrinkage theory based framework for determining optimal port-folio weight constraints for minimum-variance portfolios in presence of parameteruncertainty. We propose to impose the set of constraints that yields the opti-mal trade-o between sampling error reduction and bias for the...

This paper examines why unsolicited ratings tend to be lower than solicited ratings. Bothself-selection among issuers and strategic conservatism of rating agencies may be reasonableexplanations. Analyses of default incidences of non-U.S. borrowers between January 1996and December 2006 show that...

We provide insights into determinants of the rating level of 371 issuers which defaulted in the years 1999 to 2003, and into the leader-follower relationship between Moody's and S&P. The evidence for the rating level suggests that Moody's assigns lower ratings than S&P for all observed periods...