CREDIT RATING & IPO GRADING

Transcription

1 CREDIT RATING & IPO GRADING Meaning and Historical Background of CREDIT RATING Credit Rating is a symbolic indication of the current opinion regarding the relative capability of a corporate entity to service its debt obligations in time with reference to the instrument being rated. It enables the investor to differentiate between debt instruments on the basis of their underlying credit quality. To facilitate simple and easy understanding, credit rating is expressed in alphabetical or alphanumerical symbols. A rating is specific to a debt instrument and is intended to grade different such instruments in terms of credit risk and ability of the company to service the debt obligations as per terms of contract namely - principal as well as interest. A rating is neither a general purpose evaluation of a corporate entity, nor an overall assessment of the credit risk likely to be involved in all the debts contracted or to be contracted by such entity. Though credit rating is considered more relevant for gradation of debt securities, it can be applied for other purposes also. The diagram below depicts various types of credit ratings: CREDIT RATING FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CUSTOMER BORROWER RATING RATING RATING BOND EQUITY SHORT-TERM SOVEREIGN RATING RATING INSTRUMENTS RATING RATING Credit ratings establish a link between risk and return. An investor or any other interested person uses the rating to assess the risk-level and compares the offered rate of return with his expected rate of return. Credit rating, in general sense, is the evaluation of the credit worthiness of an individual or of a business concern or of an instrument of a business 1 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

2 based on relevant factors indicating ability and willingness to pay obligations as well as net worth. Encyclopedia of Banking & Finance by Charles J. Woelfel states that a credit rating is a letter or number used by a mercantile or other agency in reports and credit rating books to denote the ability and disposition of various businesses (individual, proprietorship, partnership or corporation) to meet their financial obligations. It also states that ratings are used as a guide to the investment quality of bonds and stocks, based on security of principal and interest (or dividends), earning power, mortgage position, market history and marketability. The first Mercantile Credit Agency was established in New York in Its first rating guide was published in 1859 by Robert Dun. Another similar agency was set up by John Bradstreet which published its rating guide in These two agencies were merged to form Dun and Bradstreet in 1933 which acquired Moody s Investor Service in Moody s was founded by Moody in The other world renowned rating agency namely Standard and Poor was created in 1941 by merging the Standard Statistics Company and Poor s Publishing Company which had their origin earlier. In India CRISIL (Credit Rating and Information Services (India) Limited) was set up as the first credit rating agency in This was followed by ICRA Limited (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) in 1991 and CARE (Credit Analyses and Research Limited) in 1994 and then in 1999 Fitch Rating India Pvt. Ltd. now known as India Ratings and Research Pvt. Ltd., Brickwork Rating Pvt. Ltd. in 2008, SMERA (SME Rating Agency of India Limited) in 2011 and Info Merics Valuation and Ratings Pvt. Ltd. All these seven credit rating agencies are registered with the SEBI. 2 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

3 PURPOSES The various instruments which can be rated may be Credit rating does not bound the investor to decide whether to hold or sell an instrument as it does not take into consideration factors such as market prices, personal risk preferences and other consideration which may influence an investment decision. It does not create any fiduciary relationship between the rating agency and the user of the rating. A credit rating agency does not perform an audit but relies on information provided by the issuer and collected by the analysts from different sources hence it does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information on which the rating is based. Long-term/Medium-term debt obligations such as debentures, bonds, preference shares or project finance debts are considered long-term and debts ranging from 1 to 3 years like fixed deposits are considered medium-term; Short-term debt obligations - the period involved is one year or less and cover money market instruments such as commercial paper, credit notes, cash certificates etc.; Equity Grading and Assessment, structured obligations, municipal bonds, mutual fund schemes, plantation schemes, real estate projects, infrastructure related debts, ADR, GDR issues, bank securities etc. In determining a rating, both qualitative and quantitative analyses are employed. The judgment is qualitative in nature and the role of the quantitative analysis is to help make the best possible overall qualitative judgment or opinion. The reliability of the rating depends on the validity of the criteria and the quality of analysis. The quality of credit rating mainly depends upon the quality of the rating agency and rating elements also. The agency should have good reputation, personal competence, independence, qualified and experienced staff. 3 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

4 Uses of credit rating Credit rating is extremely important as it not only plays a role in investor protection but also benefits industry as a whole in terms of direct mobilization of savings from individuals. Rating also provide a marketing tool to the company and its investment bankers in placing company s debt obligations with a investor base that is aware of, and comfortable with, the level of risk. Ratings also encourage discipline amongst corporate borrowers to improve their financial structure and operating risks to obtain a better rating for their debt obligations and thereby lower the cost of borrowing. Companies those get a lower rating are forewarned, as it were and have the freedom, if they desire, to take steps on their financial or business risks and thereby improve their standing in the market. The need for reliable information in channelization of the resources to the most productive uses can hardly be overemphasized. Relevant and reliable information helps the investors to arrive at their investment decisions. These include offer documents of the issuers, research reports of market intermediaries and media reports. In the developed markets, credit rating agencies have also come to occupy a leading position as information providers along with rating of financial instruments. Particularly for the credit related opinions in respect of debt related instruments, such agencies offer independent opinions which are objective, well researched and credible. Credit rating is useful to investors, issuers, intermediaries and regulators. For Investors The main purpose of credit rating is to communicate to the investors the relative ranking of the default loss probability for a given fixed income investment, in comparison with other rated instruments. In a way it is essentially an information service. In the absence of professional credit rating, the investor has to largely depend on his familiarity with the names of promoters or collaborators of a company issuing debt instruments. This is not a reliable method. Credit rating by skilled, competent and credible professionals eliminates or at least minimizes the role of name recognition and replaces it with a well researched and properly analyzed opinion. This 4 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

5 method provides a low cost supplement to investors. Large investors use information provided by rating agencies such as upgrades and downgrades and alter their portfolio mix by operating in the secondary market. Investors also use the industry reports, corporate reports, seminars and open access provided by the credit rating agencies. For Issuers The market places immense faith in opinion of credit rating agencies, hence the issuers also depend on their critical analysis. This enables the issuers of highly rated instruments to access the market even during adverse market conditions. Credit rating provides a basis for determining the additional return (over and above a risk free return) which investors must get in order to be compensated for the additional risk that they bear. The difference in price leads to significant cost savings in the case of highly rated instruments. For Intermediaries Rating is useful to Intermediaries such as merchant bankers for planning, pricing, underwriting and placement of the issues. Intermediaries like brokers and dealers in securities use rating as an input for monitoring risk exposures. Merchant bankers also use credit rating for pre-packaging issues by way of asset securitization/structured obligations. For Regulators The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prescribes a number of regulatory uses of ratings. The RBI requires that a NBFC must have minimum investment grade credit rating if it intends to accept public deposits. As per money market regulations of the RBI, a corporate must get an issue of CP rated and can issue such paper subject to a minimum rating. SEBI has also stipulated that ratings are compulsory for all public issue of debentures. SEBI has also made mandatory for acceptance of public deposit by Collective Investment Schemes. 5 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

6 Factors for success of a rating system Credible and independent structure and procedures; Objectivity and impartiality of opinions; Analytical research, integrity and consistency; Professionalism and industry related expertise; Confidentiality; Timeliness of rating review and announcement of changes; Ability to reach wide range of investors by means of press reports, print or electronic media and investor oriented research services. Important issues in credit rating Investments and Speculative Grades Debt instrument rated BBB & above are classified as investment grade ratings. Instruments that are rated BB and below are classified as speculative grade ratings. Rating agencies do not recommend or indicate the rating levels of instruments up to which one should or should not invest. Surveillance The rating published by credit rating agencies is subjected to a continuous surveillance during the life of the instrument or so long as any amount is outstanding against the specific instrument. The frequency of surveillance may range between quarterly or yearly. A formal and extensive written review is taken at least once in a year but where some specific concern arises about the industry or the issuing entity, the review is taken up immediately. Where the rating agency justified may change the rating by upgradation or downgradation depending on the likely impact of changing 6 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

7 circumstances on the debt servicing capability of the issuer. In other cases, the rating is retained at the same level. Credit Watch When a major deviation from the expected trends of the issuers business occurs, or when an event has taken place, it creates an impact on the debt servicing capability of the issuer and warrants a rating change, the rating agency may put such ratings under credit watch till the exact impact of such unanticipated development is analyzed and decision is taken regarding the rating change. The credit watch listing may also specify positive or negative outlooks. Being under credit watch does not necessarily mean that there would be a rating change. Ownership as a rating consideration Ownership by a strong concern may enhance the credit rating of an entity, unless there exists a strong barrier separating the activities of the parent and the subsidiary. The important issues involved in deciding the relationship are the mutual dependence on each other, legal relationship, to what extent one entity has the desire and ability to influence the business of the other, and how important is the operation of the subsidiary to the owner. Rating agency keeps the information provided by the issuer confidential and completes the rating within 2 to 4 weeks. Once the rating is assigned, it is communicated to the issuer, who is given an opportunity to make one request for a review, only in case fresh facts or clarifications become relevant. After these are considered, the final rating is assigned. In India, the issuer has the option of not accepting the assigned rate in which case the rating is not 7 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

8 disclosed by the rating agency. However, if the rating is accepted, it comes under the surveillance process of the concerned agency. Rating Methodologies Rating Of Manufacturing Companies The factors generally considered for rating of manufacturing companies are as under: Industry Risk It is defined as the strength of the industry within the economy and relativity to the economic trends. It is evaluated on the basis of factors like business cyclicality, earnings volatility, growth prospects, demand - supply projections, entry barriers and extent of competition and nature and extent of regulation. Company s industry and market position The company s sales position in its major fields and its historical background of its market position is analyzed along with ability to sustain/increase market shares; brand strengths and position; price leadership and distribution and marketing strengths/weaknesses. Operating efficiencies Ability to control costs, productivity efficiencies relative to others, labour relationship, extent of forward and backward integration, access to raw materials/markets, and technology. Accounting Quality Financial statements are adjusted for non-standard accounting treatments. Overall evaluation of the accounting policies employed and the extent to which they understate or overstate financial performance and position. These include analysis of auditor s qualifications, revenue recognition, depreciation policy, inventory evaluation, funding for pension liabilities, undervalued assets etc. 8 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

9 Financial flexibility Evaluation of the company s financing needs, plans and alternatives, its flexibility to accomplish its financing programmes under stress without damaging creditworthiness. Earnings protection The key measurements which indicate the basic long term earnings power of the company including return on capital, profit margins, earnings from various business segments, sources of future earnings growth, coverage ratios etc. Financial leverage Relative usage of debt and levels of debt appropriate to different types of businesses, utilization of long and short term sources of funds, management of working capital. Cash flow adequacy It is the relationship of cash flows to leverage and the ability to internally meet all cash needs of the business. It measures the magnitude and variability of future cash flows relative to debt servicing obligations and other commitments such as group company funding, BIFR packages and contingent liabilities. This analysis goes into the inherent protective factors for expected cash flows of the company and the sensitivity of these cash flows to changes in variables like raw material costs and selling prices. Management evaluation The record of achievement in operations and financial results, strategic and financial planning, commitment, consistency and credibility, overall quality of management, line of succession, strength of middle management and organization structure and its linkage with the operating environment and management strategies. Rating of financial services companies 9 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

10 The rating methodology for non-banking financial services companies is based on CAMELS model encompassing, Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity, systems and control. In 1995, RBI had set up a working group under the chairmanship of Shri S. Padmanabhan to review the banking supervision system. The Committee made certain recommendations and based on such suggestions a rating system for domestic and foreign banks based on the international CAMELS model combining financial management and systems and control elements was introduced for the inspection cycle commencing from July It recommended that the banks should be rated on the lines of international CAMELS model. The following six parameters are recommended: Capital Adequacy : Capital adequacy is measured by the ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets (CRAR). A sound capital base strengthens confidence of depositors. Asset Quality : One of the indicators for asset quality is the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (GNPA). The gross nonperforming loans to gross advances ratio is more indicative of the quality of credit decisions made by bankers. Higher GNPA is indicative of poor credit decision-making. Management : The ratio of non-interest expenditures to total assets (MGNT) can be one of the measures to assess the working of the management. This variable, which includes a variety of expenses, such as payroll, workers compensation and training investment, reflects the management policy stance. Earnings : It can be measured as the return on asset ratio. Liquidity : Cash maintained by the banks and balances with central bank, to total asset ratio (LQD) is an indicator of bank s liquidity. In general, banks with a larger volume of liquid assets are perceived 10 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

11 safe, since these assets would allow banks to meet unexpected withdrawals. Systems and Control: The internal controls, other systems and procedures of banks are considered. Rating of structured obligations/asset securitisation Structured borrowing arrangements are entered into by companies for various reasons. However, the most important one is that less credit worthy instruments or corporates are able to tap sources of funds at a more advantageous borrowing rate by offering a variety of credit enhancements. The process of converting loans or receivables into negotiable instruments is known as securitization. These negotiable instruments are then sold to investors; they are secured by the underlying assets and have other credit enhancements. Securitization transforms illiquid assets like the renewable portfolio on the balance sheet of a lender into a marketable security. The principal credit risk in asset backed financing is potential impairment of cash flows due to the assets becoming defaulting on repayments or turning into a loss. The main factors considered for credit rating are the overall risk profile and monitoring and collection procedures of the issuer; the quality of the assets being securitized; the process of selection of the asset pool to be securitized; the characteristics of the pool and the cash flows from it based on the past record of its behaviour. The possible credit loss and other deficiencies of the pool in terms of timing and quantum of cash flows are analyzed and the extent and nature of credit enhancement is then determined. Other important considerations in a securitization transaction are the legal and tax structure and the ability and willingness of the services and trustee to manage and maintain control on assets and payment streams from them. 11 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

12 RATING PROCESS Information gathering/analysis For the basic research, obtain credit related data, both statistical and qualitative, from a multitude of sources like annual reports, prospectus, industry/sectoral economic data, government reports, news reports, discussions with industry/ regulatory/other circles. Statistical data bases are developed over time to enable comparability across major issuer categories. Meetings with Management Meetings are held with key operating personnel of the company covering broadly the background, history, organisational structure, operating performance, financial management and topics of special relevance to the company s future. The central focus of all discussions is the same with analysts looking for information that will help them to understand the issuer s ability to generate cash from operations to meet debt obligations over the next several years. It is the management s opportunity to explain the company s business and financial strategies. Finally, a meeting with top management is held, where apart from corporate strategy and philosophy, key issues relevant to the rating are discussed. A plant visit with the major manufacturing/work centres and project sites is invariably undertaken. In India, credit rating agencies do not undertake unsolicited ratings merely based on published information of the company. The quality of credit rating will greatly improve with privileged information obtained from the companies by credit rating agencies. It is possible to have two agencies to do the rating for a particular issue and the findings may even vary, because rating is a matter of perceptions. But generally the findings will not be varying widely. The ratings can be published by the agency only after approval and with the permission of the issuer. Subsequent changes emerging out of the monitoring 12 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

13 by the credit rating agency will be published even if such changes are not found acceptable to the issuers. The issuer may appeal on the findings of an agency. In such a case the agency will undertake a review and thereafter indicate its final decision. Unless the rating agency has over looked critical information at the first stage, chances of the rating being changed on appeal will be rare. There is no system yet to rate the rating agency. Informed public opinion is the touch stone on which the rating companies are being assessed. The success of a rating agency is measured by the quality, consistency and integrity and the record of acceptance in the market. The rating is always about a particular issue and not generally about the issuer. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK SEBI (CREDIT RATING AGENCIES) REGULATIONS, 1999 SEBI regulations for Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) cover rating of securities only and not rating of fixed deposits, foreign exchange, country ratings, real estates etc. CRAs can be promoted by public financial institutions, scheduled commercial banks, foreign banks operating in India, foreign credit rating agencies recognised in the country of their incorporation, having at least five years experience in rating, or any company or a body corporate having continuous net worth of minimum 100 crore for the previous five years. CRAs would be required to have a minimum net worth of 5 crore. A CRA can not rate a security issued by its promoter. No Chairman, Director or Employee of the promoters shall be Chairman, Director or Employee of CRA or its rating committee. A CRA can not rate securities issued by any borrower, subsidiary, an associate promoter of CRA, if there are common Chairman, Directors and Employees between the CRA or its rating committee and these entities. 13 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

14 A CRA can not rate a security issued by its associate or subsidiary if the CRA or its rating committee has a Chairman, Director or Employee who is also a Chairman, Director or Employee of any such entity. CRAs would have to carry out periodic reviews of the ratings given during the lifetime of the rated instrument. For ensuring that corporates provide correct/ adequate information to CRAs, a clause would be incorporated in the listing agreement of the stock exchanges requiring the companies to co-operate with the rating agencies in giving correct and adequate information. Issuers coming out with a public/rights issue of debt securities would be required to incorporate an undertaking in the offer documents promising necessary co-operation with the rating agency in providing true and adequate information. Registration of Credit Rating Agencies Any person proposing to commence any activity as a credit rating agency should make an application to SEBI for the grant of a certificate of initial registration for the purpose. Any person, who before the said date carrying on any activity as a credit rating agency, should make an application to SEBI for the grant of a certificate within a period of three months from such date. However SEBI may, where it is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the said period upto a maximum of six months from such date. An application for the grant of a certificate should be made to SEBI accompanied by a non-refundable specified application fee. Any person who fails to make an application for the grant of a certificate within the period specified, ceases to carry on rating activity. Promoter of Credit Rating Agency SEBI should not consider an application unless the applicant is promoted by a person belonging to any of the following categories: 14 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

15 a public financial institution; a scheduled commercial bank; a foreign bank operating in India with the approval of the Reserve Bank of India; a foreign credit rating agency recognized under Indian Law and having at least five years experience in rating securities; any company or a body corporate, having continuous net worth of minimum rupees one hundred crores as per its audited annual accounts for the previous five years in relation to the date on which application to SEBI is made seeking registration. Eligibility Criteria SEBI shall not consider an application for the grant of a certificate unless the applicant satisfies the following conditions: the applicant is set up and registered as a company under the Companies Act; the applicant has, in its Memorandum of Association, specified rating activity as one of its main objects; the applicant has a minimum net worth of ` 5 crores; the applicant has adequate infrastructure, to enable it to provide rating services; the applicant and the promoters of the applicant, have professional competence, financial soundness and general reputation of fairness and integrity in business transactions, to the satisfaction of SEBI; neither the applicant, nor its promoter, nor any director of the applicant or its promoter, is involved in any legal proceeding connected with the securities market, which may have an adverse impact on the interests of the investors; 15 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

16 neither the applicant, nor its promoters, nor any director, of its promoter has at any time in the past been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude or any economic offence; the applicant has, in its employment, persons having adequate professional and other relevant experience to the satisfaction of the SEBI; neither the applicant, nor any person directly or indirectly connected with the applicant has in the past been refused by SEBI a certificate under these regulations or subjected to any proceedings for a contravention of the Act or of any rules or regulations made under the Act. the applicant, in all other respects, is a fit and proper person for the grant of a certificate; grant of certificate to the applicant is in the interest of investors and the securities market. Application to Confirm to the Requirements Any application for a certificate, which is not complete in all respects or does not confirm to the requirement or instructions as specified should be rejected by SEBI. However before rejecting any application, the applicant should be given an opportunity to remove, within thirty days of the date of receipt of relevant communication, from SEBI such objections as may be indicated by SEBI. It has been further provided that SEBI may on sufficient reason being shown, extend the time for removal of objections by such further time, not exceeding thirty days to enable the applicant to remove such objections. Furnishing of Information, Clarification and Personal Representation SEBI may require the applicant to furnish such further information or clarification as it consider necessary, for the purpose of processing of the application. SEBI if so desires, may ask the applicant or its authorised representative to appear before SEBI for personal representation in connection with the grant of a certificate. 16 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

17 Grant of Certificate SEBI grants a certificate of initial registration of initial and permanent registration after getting satisfied that the applicant is eligible for the grant of a certificate of initial registration. The certificate of initial registration is valid for a period of five years from the date of its issue. The grant of certificate of initial registration should be subject to the payment of the specified registration fee in the manner prescribed. The credit rating agency who has been granted or deemed to have been granted a certificate of initial registration may three months before the expiry of the period of the initial registration certificate, make an application for grant of a certificate of permanent registration accompanied by non-refundable application fee along with the changes that have taken place in the information that was submitted to SEBI during initial registration or renewable as the case may be, and a declaration stating that no changes other than these as mentioned in such details have taken place. SEBI on being satisfied shall grant a certificate of permanent registration. Conditions of Certificate The certificate granted is subject to the condition that the credit rating agency should comply with the provisions of the Act, the regulations made thereunder and the guidelines, directives, circulars and instructions issued by SEBI from time to time on the subject of credit rating. The credit rating agency should forthwith inform SEBI in writing where any information or particulars furnished to SEBI by a credit rating agency is found to be false or misleading in any material particular; or has undergone change subsequently to its furnishing at the time of the application for a certificate. Where the credit rating agency proposes change in control, it shall obtain prior approval of SEBI for continuing to act as such after the change. The period of validity of certificate of registration shall be three years. 17 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

18 Procedure where Certificate is not granted SEBI may reject the application if after considering an application is of the opinion that a certificate should not be granted, after giving the applicant a reasonable opportunity of being heard. The decision of SEBI not to grant the certificate should be communicated by SEBI to the applicant within a period of thirty days of such decision, stating the grounds of the decision. Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of SEBI rejecting his application may, within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt by him of the communication apply to SEBI in writing for re-consideration of such decision. Where an application for re-consideration is made, SEBI should consider the application and communicate to the applicant its decision in writing, as soon as may be. Effect of Refusal to Grant Certificate An applicant whose application for the grant of certificate of permanent registration has been either refused or rejected should not undertake any rating activity. An applicant, whose application for the grant of a certificate has been refused by SEBI, should on and from the date of the receipt of the communication ceases to carry on any rating activity. If SEBI is satisfied that it is in the interest of the investors, it may permit the credit rating agency to complete the rating assignments already entered into by it, during the pendency of the application or period of validity of the certificate. SEBI in order to protect the interest of investors may issue directions with regard to the transfer of records, documents or reports relating to the activities of a credit rating agency, whose application for the grant of a certificate of initial or permanent registration. SEBI may appoint any person to take charge of the records, documents or reports relating to the rating activities of a credit rating agency and for this purpose also determine the terms and conditions of such apointment has been rejected. 18 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

19 Code of Conduct Every credit rating agency is required to abide by the Code of Conduct as per SEBI Regulations: A credit rating agency shall make all efforts to protect the interests of investors. A credit rating agency, in the conduct of its business, shall observe high standards of integrity, dignity and fairness in the conduct of its business. A credit rating agency shall fulfill its obligations in a prompt, ethical and professional manner. A credit rating agency shall at all times exercise due diligence, ensure proper care and exercise independent professional judgment in order to achieve and maintain objectivity and independence in the rating process. A credit rating agency shall have a reasonable and adequate basis for performing rating evaluations, with the support of appropriate and in depth rating researches. It shall also maintain records to support its decisions. A credit rating agency shall have in place a rating process that reflects consistent and international rating standards. A credit rating agency shall not indulge in any unfair competition nor shall it wean away the clients of any other rating agency on assurance of higher rating. A credit rating agency shall keep track of all important changes relating to the client companies and shall develop efficient and responsive systems to yield timely and accurate ratings. Further a credit rating agency shall also monitor closely all relevant factors that might affect the creditworthiness of the issuers. A credit rating agency shall disclose its rating methodology to clients, users and the public. 19 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

20 A credit rating agency shall, wherever necessary, disclose to the clients, possible sources of conflict of duties and interests, which could impair its ability to make fair, objective and unbiased ratings. Further it shall ensure that no conflict of interest exists between any member of its rating committee participating in the rating analysis, and that of its client. A credit rating agency shall not make any exaggerated statement, whether oral or written, to the client either about its qualification or its capability to render certain services or its achievements with regard to the services rendered to other clients. A credit rating agency shall not make any untrue statement, suppress any material fact or make any misrepresentation in any documents, reports, papers or information furnished to SEBI, stock exchange or public at large. A credit rating agency shall ensure that SEBI is promptly informed about any action, legal proceedings etc., initiated against it alleging any material breach or non-compliance by it, of any law, rules, regulations and directions of SEBI or of any other regulatory body. A credit rating agency shall maintain an appropriate level of knowledge and competence and abide by the provisions of the Act, regulations and circulars, which may be applicable and relevant to the activities carried on by the credit rating agency. The credit rating agency shall also comply with award of the Ombudsman passed under SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, A credit rating agency shall ensure that there is no misuse of any privileged information including prior knowledge of rating decisions or changes. 20 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

21 A credit rating agency or any of his employees shall not render, directly or indirectly any investment advice about any security in the publicly accessible media. A credit rating agency shall not offer fee-based services to the rated entities, beyond credit ratings and research. A credit rating agency shall ensure that any change in registration status/any penal action taken by SEBI or any material change in financials which may adversely affect the interests of clients/investors is promptly informed to the clients and any business remaining outstanding is transferred to another registered person in accordance with any instructions of the affected clients/investors. A credit rating agency shall maintain an arm s length relationship between its credit rating activity and any other activity. A credit rating agency shall develop its own internal code of conduct for governing its internal operations and laying down its standards of appropriate conduct for its employees and officers in the carrying out of their duties within the credit rating agency and as a part of the industry. Such a code may extend to the maintenance of professional excellence and standards, integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, avoidance of conflict of interests, disclosure of shareholdings and interests, etc. Such a code shall also provide for procedures and guidelines in relation to the establishment and conduct of rating committees and duties of the officers and employees serving on such committees. A credit rating agency shall provide adequate freedom and powers to its compliance officer for the effective discharge of his duties. A credit rating agency shall ensure that the senior management, particularly decision makers have access to all relevant information about the business on a timely basis. A credit rating agency shall ensure that good corporate policies and corporate governance are in place. 21 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

22 A credit rating agency shall not, generally and particularly in respect of issue of securities rated by it, be party to or instrumental for creation of false market; price rigging or manipulation; or dissemination of any unpublished price sensitive information in respect of securities which are listed and proposed to be listed in any stock exchange, unless required, as part of rationale for the rating accorded. Agreement with the Client Every credit rating agency is required to enter into a written agreement with each client whose securities it proposes to rate, and every such agreement should include the following provisions: the rights and liabilities of each party in respect of the rating of securities shall be defined; the fee to be charged by the credit rating agency shall be specified; the client shall agree to a periodic review of the rating by the credit rating agency during the tenure of the rated instrument and to cooperate with the credit rating agency in order to enable the latter to arrive at, and maintain, a true and accurate rating of the clients securities and shall in particular provide to the latter, true, adequate and timely information for the purpose; the credit rating agency shall disclose to the client the rating assigned to the securities of the latter through regular methods of dissemination, irrespective of whether the rating is or is not accepted by the client; the client shall agree to disclose the rating assigned to the client s listed securities by any credit rating agency during the last three years and any rating given in respect of the client s securities by any other credit rating agency, which has not been accepted by the client in the offer document; 22 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

23 the client shall agree to obtain a rating for any issue of debt securities in accordance with the relevant regulations Monitoring of Ratings Credit rating agency should during the lifetime of securities rated by it continuously monitor the rating of such securities. It should also disseminate information regarding newly assigned ratings, and changes in earlier rating promptly through press releases and websites, and, in the case of securities issued by listed companies, such information should also be provided simultaneously to the concerned to all the stock exchanges where the said securities are listed. Procedure for Review of Rating Every credit rating agency should carry out periodic review of all published ratings during the lifetime of the securities. If the client does not co-operate with the credit rating agency so as to enable the credit rating agency to comply with its obligations, the credit rating agency should carry out the review on the basis of the best available information. However, it has been provided that if owing to such lack of co-operation, a rating has been based on the best available information, the credit rating agency should disclose to the investors the fact that the rating is so based. A credit rating agency should not withdraw a rating so long as the obligations under the security rated by it are outstanding, except where the company whose security is rated is wound up or merged or amalgamated with another company. Internal Procedures to be Framed Credit rating agency should frame appropriate procedures and systems for monitoring the trading of securities by its employees in the securities of its clients, in order to prevent contravention of SEBI (Insider Trading) 23 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

24 Regulations, 2015; SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to the Securities Market) Regulations, 2003; and other laws relevant to trading of securities. Disclosure of Rating Definitions Credit rating agency should make public the definitions of the concerned rating, along with the symbol and state that the ratings do not constitute recommendations to buy, hold or sell any securities. It should also make available to the general public information relating to the rationale of the ratings, which shall cover an analysis of the various factors justifying a favourable assessment, as well as factors constituting a risk. Submission of Information In case any information is called by SEBI from a credit rating agency including any report relating to its activities, the credit rating agency is required to furnish such information to SEBI within a period specified or if no such period is specified, then within a reasonable time. It should also furnish to SEBI, copies of its balance sheet and profit and loss account at the close of each accounting period, Every credit rating agency is required to comply with such guidelines, directives, circulars and instructions as issued by SEBI from time to time. Appointment of Compliance Officer It is under an obligation to appoint a compliance officer who will be responsible for monitoring the compliance of the Act, Rules and Regulations, notifications, guidelines, instructions etc issued by SEBI or the Central Government. The compliance officer should immediately and independently report to SEBI any non-compliance observed by him. 24 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

25 Maintenance of Books of Accounts, Records, etc. Credit rating agency should keep and maintain, for a minimum period of five years, the following books of accounts, records and documents, namely: copy of its balance sheet, as on the end of each accounting period; a copy of its profit and loss account for each accounting period; a copy of the auditor s report on its accounts for each accounting period. a copy of the agreement entered into, with each client; information supplied by each of the clients; correspondence with each client; ratings assigned to various securities including upgradation and down gradation (if any) of the ratings so assigned; rating notes considered by the rating committee; record of decisions of the rating committee; letter assigning rating; particulars of fees charged for rating and such other records as SEBI may specify from time to time. Credit rating agency is required to intimate to SEBI, the place where the books of account, records and documents required to be maintained under these regulations are being maintained. Steps on Auditor s Report Credit rating agency should within two month s from the date of the auditor s report, take steps to rectify the deficiencies if any, made out in the auditor s report, in so far as they relate to the activity of rating of securities. 25 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

26 Confidentiality Every credit rating agency shall treat, as confidential, information supplied to it by the client and no credit rating agency shall disclose the same to any other person, except where such disclosure is required under any law. Rating Process Credit rating agency should specify the rating process and file a copy of the same with SEBI for record and also file with SEBI any modifications or additions made therein from time to time. It should in all cases follow a proper rating process. Credit rating agency is required to have professional rating committees, comprising members who are adequately qualified and knowledgeable to assign a rating. All rating decisions, including the decisions regarding changes in rating, should be taken by the rating committee. Credit rating agency should be staffed by analysts qualified to carry out a rating assignment. Credit rating agency should inform SEBI about new rating instruments or symbols introduced by it. Credit rating agency, while rating a security should exercise due diligence in order to ensure that the rating given by the credit rating agency is fair and appropriate. A credit rating agency should not rate securities issued by it. Rating definition, as well as the structure for a particular rating product, should not be changed by a credit rating agency, without prior information to SEBI. A credit rating agency should disclose to the concerned stock exchange through press release and websites for general investors, the rating assigned to the securities of a client, after periodic review, including changes in rating, if any. 26 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

27 Restrictions on Rating of Securities Issued by Promoter and Certain Entities, Connected with a Promoter, or Rating Agency Credit rating agency shall not rate a security issued by its promoter. In case promoter is a sending institution, its chairman, director or employee shall not be a chairman, director or employee of credit rating agency or its rating committee. No credit rating agency should rate a security issued by an entity, which is a borrower of its promoter or a subsidiary of its promoter or an associate of its promoter, if there are common Chairman, Directors between credit rating agency and these entities, there are common employees, there are common Chairman, Directors, Employees on the rating committee. No credit rating agency should rate a security issued by its associate or subsidiary, if the credit rating agency or its rating committee has a Chairman, director or employee who is also a Chairman, director or employee of any such entity. However, the Credit Rating Agency may, rate a security issued by its associate having a common independent director with it or rating committee if, such an independent director does not participate in the discussion on rating decisions, and the Credit Rating Agency makes a disclosure in the rating announcement of such associate (about the existence of common independent director) on its Board or of its rating committee, and that the common independent director did not participate in the rating process or in the meeting of its Board of Directors or in the meeting of the rating committee, when the securities rating of such associate was discussed. 27 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

28 Securities already rated The above mentioned conditions do not apply to securities whose rating has been already done by a credit rating agency before the commencement of these regulations, and such securities may, subject to the provisions of the other Chapters of these regulations, continue to be rated, without the need to comply with the restrictions imposed by the regulations contained in this chapter. Procedure for Inspection and Investigation SEBI can appoint one or more persons as inspecting officers, to undertake inspection or investigation of the books of account, records and documents of the credit rating agencies, for any of the purposes specified in the regulations. The purposes referred to in regulation should be to ascertain whether the books of account, records and documents are being maintained properly, to ascertain whether the provisions of the Act and these regulations are being complied with, to investigate into complaints received from investors, clients or any other person on any matter having a bearing on activities of the credit rating agency and in the interest of the securities market or in the interest of investors. The inspections ordered by SEBI should not ordinarily go into an examination of the appropriateness of the assigned ratings on the merits. Inspections to judge the appropriateness of the ratings may be ordered by SEBI, only in case of complaints which are serious in nature to be carried out either by the officers of SEBI or independent experts with relevant experience or combination of both. Notice of Inspection or Investigation SEBI shall give ten days written notice to the credit rating agency before ordering an inspection or investigation. SEBI in the interest of the 28 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR

29 investors may order in writing, direct that the inspection or investigation of the affairs of the credit rating agency to be taken up without such notice. During the course of an inspection or investigation, the credit rating agency against whom the inspection or investigation is being carried out should be bound to discharge all its obligations as provided in this regulation. Obligations of Credit Rating Agency It should be the duty of credit rating agency whose affairs are being inspected or investigated, and of every director, officer or employee thereof, to produce to the inspecting or investigating officer such books, accounts and other documents in its or his custody or control and furnish him with such statements and information relating to its rating activities, as the inspecting officer may require within such reasonable period as may be specified by the officer. The credit rating agency should allow the inspecting officer to have reasonable access to the premises occupied by such credit rating agency or by any other person on its behalf and extend to the inspecting officer reasonable facility for examining any books, records, documents and computer data in the possession of the credit rating agency and to provide copies of documents or other materials which, in the opinion of the inspecting officer, are relevant for the purposes of the inspection or investigation, as the case may be. The inspecting officer, in the course of inspection or investigation, should be entitled to examine, or record the statements, of any officer, director or employee of the credit rating agency for the purposes connected with the inspection or investigation. Every director, officer or employee of the credit rating agency is bound to render to the inspecting officer all assistance in connection with the inspection or investigation which the inspecting officer may reasonably require. 29 DTC CS CLASES, , CS PANKAJ KUMAR