A case-based reasoning approach to rate microcredit borrower risk in online Kiva P2P lending model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to improve microcredit initiatives by means of providing a borrower risk rating system. Design/methodology/approach The CBR approach has been used to consider the Kiva microcredit system, which provides a characterization (rating) of the risk associated with the field partner supporting the loan, but not of the specific borrower which would benefit from it. The authors discuss how the combination of available historical data on loans and their outcomes (structured as a case base) and available knowledge on how to evaluate the risk associated with a loan request can be used to provide the end users with an indication of the risk rating associated with a loan request based on similar past situations. Findings The adopted approach is applied and evaluated employing a selection of cases from individual loans. From this perspective, the case base and the codified knowledge about how to evaluate risks associated with a loan represent two examples of knowledge IT artifacts. Originality/value The originality of the work lies in borrower risk rating in online indirect peer-to-peer microcredit lending platforms. The case base and the codified knowledge are the two contributions in knowledge IT artifacts.