August, 2005
An Economic Analysis of the SEC's Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) Standard
Jay Cochran
Key materials
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The Regulation
- SEC's Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) Standard designates which credit ratings agencies are deemed "market recognized credible rating agencies."
- NRSRO credit ratings are widely used benchmarks in other regulations (e.g., broker/dealer net capital requirements), and in private contracts (e.g., loan covenants).
Our Findings
- There are currently five officially designated NRSROs: Moody's, Standard & Poor's (S&P), Fitch, Dominion Bond Rating Services, and A.M. Best.
- The NRSRO Standard creates an effective barrier to entry for incumbent providers of financial ratings services, protecting them from competition.
- The barrier's effects are observable through significantly higher returns on assets earned by the incumbents as compared to firms in competitive industries.
By the Numbers
- Together, S&P and Moody's hold approximately 80% of the credit ratings market.
- Moody's and S&P's ROAs averaged 37% and 39% respectively from 2000 through 2004, versus less than 10% for firms in competitively organized industries.
Recommendations
- Remove the NRSRO barrier.
- The SEC can provide a useful function to users of credit ratings by operating an information clearinghouse that furnishes data on accuracy and timeliness of ratings.
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