SEBI Issues Frequently Asked Questions on ‘Credit Rating Agencies’

FAQs; Dated: 02.03.2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) to enhance investor awareness and provide clarity on the functioning and regulation of credit rating activities in India.

1. What is a Credit Rating Agency (CRA)?

A Credit Rating Agency (CRA) is an entity that evaluates and assigns ratings to debt instruments or entities based on their creditworthiness and ability to meet financial obligations. These ratings help investors assess the risk associated with investing in such instruments.

2. Measures Taken by SEBI to Strengthen Credit Rating

SEBI has implemented several measures to strengthen the credit rating framework, including:

• Enhancing disclosure and transparency requirements for CRAs
• Strengthening governance and accountability mechanisms
• Prescribing norms to manage conflicts of interest
• Improving surveillance and review mechanisms for ratings
• Ensuring greater reliability and integrity of the rating process

These steps aim to enhance investor confidence in credit ratings.

3. Difference Between a CRA and a Credit Bureau

A Credit Rating Agency assesses the creditworthiness of debt instruments or issuers, primarily for the benefit of investors in the securities market.

In contrast, a credit bureau maintains and provides credit history and credit scores of individuals or businesses, typically used by banks and financial institutions for lending decisions.

4. Regulatory Authority for CRAs

Credit Rating Agencies in India are regulated by SEBI, which prescribes the regulatory framework governing their registration, operations, disclosures, and compliance requirements.

5. Factors Considered While Assigning a Credit Rating

CRAs generally consider several factors while determining a credit rating, including:

• Financial performance and stability of the issuer
• Debt repayment capacity
• Industry outlook and market position
• Management quality and governance standards
• Economic and regulatory environment

These factors collectively help assess the probability of timely repayment of obligations.

6. How Credit Ratings Are Denoted

Credit ratings are typically expressed through alphabetic symbols, often accompanied by modifiers such as “+” or “–”. These symbols indicate different levels of credit risk, ranging from high safety and low default risk to higher levels of credit risk.

7. Is Credit Rating a One-Time Exercise?

Credit rating is not a one-time exercise. Once assigned, ratings are subject to continuous monitoring and periodic review by the CRA.

If there are significant changes in the issuer’s financial condition or market environment, the rating may be upgraded, downgraded, or reaffirmed accordingly.

8. Objective of the FAQs

The FAQs aim to improve public understanding of the role and functioning of Credit Rating Agencies, promote informed investment decisions, and strengthen transparency in the credit rating ecosystem.

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