Managing Credit Risk in Banks: A Study of Credit Default Swaps

Credit derivative is one kind of arrangement which allows one party to transfer, for a premium, the defined credit risk, computed with reference to a notional value, of a reference asset which may or may not owned by one or more other parties. Credit Default Swaps(CDS) have existed since the early 1990s, but its use has become increasingly popular over time. CDS is the fastest growing segment of the privately negotiated derivatives business as many firms depend on it to efficiently manage the financial market risks inherent in economic activities. The diversification function is especially important for active CDS market participants as banks. CDS banks can achieve their loan portfolio diversification which provides them with increased capacity to expand their lending.