Characteristics, Importance, and Benefits of Credit Ratings

Credit rating agencies provide an objective and unbiased evaluation of the credit risk of diverse entities, including individuals, groups, businesses, non-profit organisations, governments, and even nations. They provide transparency and consistency in assessing institutions/borrowers’ creditworthiness, making it easier for lenders and investors to make informed decisions. The main characteristics of credit rating are that these…

Regulations for Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India

The Indian Credit Rating agencies are governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999 (“the Regulations”). SEBI however recognizing the need for more stringent oversight introduced the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 2018, which replaced the earlier regulations. These updated regulations aimed to reinforce the credibility and accountability of…

What is Credit Rating and the Role of Credit Rating Agencies (CRA) in India

Credit Rating is an opinion provided by a Credit Rating Agency regarding the ability and willingness of an entity (Government, corporate, municipality, Bank lending, etc. to fulfill its financial obligations in completeness and within the established due dates. Such ratings are based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including the issuer’s financial health, debt…

Regulatory Guidelines Governing Credit Information Companies (CIC)

The Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 is an Act to provide for regulation of credit information companies and to facilitate the efficient distribution of credit and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India have enacted the Credit Information Companies Regulations, 2006 (“Regulations”) and the…

Functions of credit information companies (CIC) and membership to CIC

A Credit Information Company (CIC) is an independent third-party agency registered under CIC laws that collects financial data of individuals about their loans, credit cards, and other related information and shares it with its members, who generally happen to be banks and other financial institutions. The Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (“CIC Act”), is…