Regulation, Market Structure, and Role of the Credit Rating Agencies (PA 704)

During the financial crisis of 2008, financial markets would have been better served if the credit rating agency industry had been more competitive. Ekins and Calabria present evidence that suggests the Securities and Exchange Commission’s designation of National Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs) inadvertently created a de facto oligopoly, which primarily propped up three firms: Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. They also explain how regulatory use of credit ratings inflated demand for NRSRO ratings despite their decreasing informational value. The authors argue that regulators should work to eliminate reliance on credit ratings for financial safety and soundness. These regulatory reforms will, in turn, reduce Credit Rating Agencies oligopolistic power.