📊 Comparative Analysis: Indian vs. International Credit Rating Agencies
Here's a structured outline for a Comparative Analysis Between Indian and International Credit Rating Agencies — you can use this for a report, presentation, academic paper, or policy brief.
1️⃣ Introduction
- Definition and role of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs)
- Importance in financial markets
- Purpose of the comparison: To understand similarities, differences, and strategic implications
2️⃣ Key Players
Aspect
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Leading Agencies
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CRISIL, ICRA, CARE, India Ratings, Brickwork
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S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, DBRS, JCR
|
Year of Origin
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1987 (CRISIL) onwards
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1860s–1900s
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Ownership
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Indian FIs, Banks, Govt-Private mix
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Global corporations, stock-listed firms
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3️⃣ Regulatory Framework
Area
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Regulator
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SEBI
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SEC (US), ESMA (EU), IOSCO standards
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Key Regulation
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SEBI (CRA) Regulations, 1999
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CRA Reform Act (US), EU CRA Regulation
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Rating Disclosure
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Mandatory for public ratings
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Mandatory globally
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Surveillance & Review
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Required periodically
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Required with detailed audit trail
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4️⃣ Scope of Work
Function
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Sovereign Ratings
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Limited (India only)
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Global (over 120 countries)
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Corporate Ratings
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Yes
|
Yes
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SME Ratings
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Actively done
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Rarely done
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Structured Finance
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Moderate
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High (especially post-2008 reforms)
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ESG/Green Ratings
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Emerging
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Rapidly growing segment
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5️⃣ Methodology & Influence
Parameter
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Methodology
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Largely aligned to international standards
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Uniform but adapted per region
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Market Influence
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High domestically, limited globally
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Globally influential
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Transparency
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Improving
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Criticized post-2008; reforms underway
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6️⃣ Challenges Faced
Challenge
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Conflict of Interest
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Issuer-pays model risk
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Same model; criticism during 2008 crisis
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Default Tracking
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IL&FS, DHFL downgrades questioned
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Lehman, AIG cases cited
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Limited Global Reach
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Outside India influence is low
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Geopolitical influence often alleged
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7️⃣ Strengths & Weaknesses
Criteria
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Indian CRAs
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International CRAs
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Strength
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Local expertise, SME coverage
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Global credibility, sovereign reach
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Weakness
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Perceived leniency, limited global standing
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Geopolitical bias, systemic risk contribution
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8️⃣ Conclusion & Recommendations
- Indian CRAs need:
- Better independence & global partnerships
- Focus on methodology, transparency, and post-rating surveillance
- Global CRAs must:
- Improve neutrality & governance
- Include emerging market perspectives
- Both systems must be accountable, transparent, and resilient to conflicts of interest.
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