MURAME parameter setting for creditworthiness evaluation: data-driven optimization

In this paper, we amend a multi-criteria methodology known as MURAME, to evaluate the creditworthiness of a large sample of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises, using as input their balance sheet data. This methodology produces results in terms of scoring and of classification into homogeneous rating classes. A distinctive goal of this paper is to consider a preference disaggregation method to endogenously determine some parameters of MURAME, by solving a nonsmooth constrained optimization problem. Because of the complexity of the involved mathematical programming problem, for its solution we use an evolutionary metaheuristic, coupled with a specific efficient initialization. This is combined with an unconstrained reformulation of the problem, which provides a reasonable compromise between the quality of the solution and the computational burden. An extensive numerical experience is reported, comparing an exogenous choice of MURAME parameters with our approach.