This paper investigates a structural credit default model that is based on a hyper-exponential jump diffusion process for the value of the firm. For credit default swap prices and other quantities of interest, explicit expressions for the corresponding Laplace transforms are derived. The time-dynamics of the model are studied, particularly the jumps in credit spreads, the understanding of which is crucial e.g. for the pricing of gap risk. As an application of our findings, the model is calibrated to credit default swap spreads observed in the market.
Accounting Transparency and the Term Structure of Credit Default Swap Spreads