Credit Derivative Pricing with Stochastic Volatility Models

Abstract

This paper proposes a model for pricing credit derivatives in a defaultable HJM framework. The model features hump-shaped, level dependent, and unspanned stochastic volatility, and accommodates a correlation structure between the stochastic volatility, the default-free interest rates, and the credit spreads. The model is finite-dimensional, and leads (a) to exponentially affine default-free and defaultable bond prices, and (b) to an approximation for pricing credit default swaps and swaptions in terms of defaultable bond prices with varying maturities. A numerical study demonstrates that the model captures stylized various features of credit default swaps and swaptions.