Statistical Models for Corporate Credit Risk Assessment – Rating Models

Taking into consideration the weakness of the models based on discrimination function (Z-score) proposed by Altman within the conditions of polish economy some attempts were taken in the 90s to adjust these models to the reality of post-communist economy. The initial interest in the models of multivariate discriminant analysis was extended by logistic regression models and then also by neural networks and decision trees. In the recent years some attempts were also taken to apply models of the event history analysis. Rating models based on developed bankruptcy risk models are basic element in credit risk management. Paper focuses on the critical assessment of statistical methods applied and points out the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches toward the estimation of models. Empirical comparative analysis were conducted based on the sample of enterprises. The possible application of statistical models in credit risk assessment of enterprises (rating models) was pointed out.