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Big tech credit score and default risk ——Evidence from loan-level data of a representative microfinance company in China

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  • Dong, Yingwei
  • Gou, Qin
  • Qiu, Han

Abstract

Using a unique loan-level dataset from a representative microfinance company in China, this paper investigates the information spillover effect of big tech credit scores on microloan risk management. We analyze a quasi-natural experiment where the microfinance company integrated big tech credit scores into its loan decision-making process. Our findings indicate that incorporating fintech information into risk assessments significantly lowers the default rate for new borrowers compared to existing ones. This effect is more pronounced for borrowers with insufficient collateral, higher loan demand, and medium risk levels, as well as for branches with higher historical default rates. Additionally, we observe a slight reduction in approved loan amounts for borrowers with medium risk levels, suggesting that big tech information contributes to more prudent loan decisions in microfinance.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong, Yingwei & Gou, Qin & Qiu, Han, 2023. "Big tech credit score and default risk ——Evidence from loan-level data of a representative microfinance company in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:81:y:2023:i:c:s1043951x23000950
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2023.102010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Big tech; Microfinance; Credit risk management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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