Total variation regularization analysis for inverse volatility option pricing problem

We investigate in this paper an inverse problem of recovering the space-dependent volatility in option pricing. To enhance precision across the domain, we transform the original problem into an inverse source problem of a bounded degenerate parabolic equation, utilizing linearization and variable substitution. Unlike classical methods, we apply a total variation regularization combined with a novel generalized finite integration technique. This approach accommodates volatility jumps in an overnight rate scenario. Leveraging an optimal control framework, we demonstrate that the inverse problem can be reformulated as an optimal control problem whose existence, necessary conditions, local uniqueness and stability for the minimizer of control functional are obtained. For numerical verification, we derive the Euler equation and design a discretization algorithm with generalized finite integration technique. Numerical examples showcase the robustness of our approach, highlighting advantages in accuracy and effectiveness over other strategies. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.