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Top 7 Credit Rating Agencies in India: Key Players Listed

Published on Nov 7, 2023Updated on Jan 27, 2025

Top 7 Credit Rating Agencies in India: Key Players Listed

A credit rating is a vital financial tool that influences lending decisions, investment strategies, and overall financial stability for individuals and businesses. Understanding the intricacies of credit ratings is imperative for making informed financial decisions.

It involves comprehending the factors that influence credit scores, such as payment history, credit utilisation, length of credit history, types of credit used, and new credit inquiries. Moreover, it entails grasping the impact of credit ratings on borrowing costs, investment returns, and overall financial health.

Top 7 Credit Rating Agencies in India

Seven specialised credit rating agencies in India have gained prominence in the Indian financial landscape. These agencies, including ICRA, CRISIL, CARE, BrickWorks, India Ratings and Research, Informetrics Valuation, and Acuite, have played a crucial role in assessing and evaluating creditworthiness across various industries.

1. Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd. (CRISIL)

Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd. (CRISIL) is a prominent and highly respected credit rating agency in India. Established in 1987, it has played a vital role in the Indian financial sector, offering credit ratings, research, and risk assessment services to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.

2. Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India (ICRA) Ltd.

The Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India (ICRA) Ltd is a well-regarded credit rating agency in India. Founded in 1991, the ICRA provides credit ratings, risk assessment, and research services to aid investors, lenders, and businesses in making informed financial decisions.

3. Credit Analysis and Research (CARE) Ltd.

Credit Analysis and Research (CARE) Ltd. is a leading credit reporting agency in India. It plays a crucial role in the Indian financial sector, assisting investors, lenders, and businesses in making well-informed financial decisions by evaluating credit risk and financial stability.

4. Acuite Ratings & Research Ltd.

Acuite Ratings & Research Ltd. is a notable credit rating agency in India. With a strong focus on analytical rigour and transparency, Acuite has gained recognition for its expertise in evaluating creditworthiness and contributing to the Indian financial landscape.

5. Brickwork Ratings India Private Ltd.

Brickwork Ratings India Private Ltd. is a prominent credit score agency. It plays a significant role by assisting investors, lenders, and businesses in evaluating credit risk and making well-informed financial decisions. It has earned a reputable position within the industry.

6. India Ratings and Research Pvt. Ltd.

Established in 2008, it specialises in providing credit ratings, research, and risk assessment services. It assists investors, lenders, and businesses in making informed financial decisions by evaluating credit risk and financial stability. The agency is recognised for its expertise and plays a crucial role in the Indian financial sector.

7. INFOMERICS Valuation and Rating Private Ltd.

Founded in 2012, the agency specialises in credit ratings, research, and risk assessment services. INFOMERICS is a valuable resource for investors, lenders, and businesses, helping them evaluate credit risk and make informed financial decisions. The agency has gained recognition for its expertise and contributions to the Indian financial sector.

How Do Credit Rating Agencies Work?

Credit rating agencies in India follow a standardised process when assigning credit ratings, taking several key factors into account. These factors include an analysis of the entity's financial statements, historical repayment behaviour, and the nature of its current debt obligations. Some agencies also consider the reputation of the entity's board and its standing in the market.

Once the relevant data is collected and analysed, each credit rating agency applies its proprietary system to assign weightage to these factors. This personalised approach allows them to arrive at a credit rating for a corporate entity or financial instrument. It's important to note that while the factors considered are similar across agencies, the specific weightings and methodologies may differ, which can result in variations in the assigned ratings.

These credit ratings serve as vital tools for investors, lenders, and businesses, aiding them in evaluating credit risk and making informed financial decisions.

Different Credit Rating Scales

The top credit rating agencies in India employ diverse methodologies, each designed to ensure that their ratings are precise, transparent, and actionable. The table below highlights the credit rating scales used by these leading credit rating companies in India:

Credit Rating Agency

Credit Rating Scale

CRISIL

CRISIL scales typically range from "AAA" (highest) to "D" (default).

ICRA

ICRA uses scales like "AAA" to "D" to denote creditworthiness.

CARE

CARE's credit ratings encompass "CARE AAA" as the top rating, descending to "CARE D" for default.

Brickwork Ratings

Brickwork Ratings utilises scales that span from "BWR AAA" (highest) to "BWR D" for default.

India Ratings and Research

India Ratings employs scales ranging from "IND AAA" to "IND D" to signify creditworthiness.

INFOMERICS Valuation and Rating 

INFOMERICS uses scales like "IVR AAA" to "IVR D" to assess credit risk.

Acuite Ratings & Research

Acuite utilises scales from "ACUITE AAA" (highest) to "ACUITE D" for default.

Factors Affecting Credit Ratings in India

There are numerous factors significantly influence the credit ratings of corporate entities in India, impacting their creditworthiness:

  1. Loan Portfolio: The composition of the entity's loan portfolio is a key determinant, with favourable ratings linked to primarily secured loans and unfavourable ones to unsecured loans.
  2. Future Prospects: The entity's projected business outlook, encompassing growth plans and expected earnings, strongly shapes its credit rating. Positive prospects lead to higher ratings, while uncertainty may yield lower ones.
  3. Repayment History: The entity's history of loan repayments is crucial, showcasing its financial management skills and impacting the credit rating.
  4. Market Reputation: The firm's market standing influences its income, in turn affecting its repayment capability. This factor is considered by credit rating agencies.

These elements collectively shape an entity's credit rating, aiding lenders and investors in gauging credit risk and making well-informed financial decisions.

Conclusion

Credit ratings and the agencies that provide them are of paramount importance in India's financial landscape. They offer a structured framework for assessing the creditworthiness of various entities, enabling sound decisions in lending and investment.

The factors affecting credit ratings, including the composition of loan portfolios, future business outlook, repayment track record, and market standing, collectively furnish a holistic view of an entity's financial well-being. These ratings wield a direct influence over an entity's ability to secure capital and the terms of borrowing, thus impacting economic stability and growth.

* Please note that this article is for your knowledge only. Loans are disbursed at the sole discretion of SMFG India Credit. Final approval, loan terms, disbursal process, foreclosure charges and foreclosure process will be subject to SMFG India Credit's policy at the time of loan application. If you wish to know more about our products and services, please contact us

FAQs

Who approves or regulates credit rating agencies in India?

Credit rating agencies in India are regulated and overseen by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI is the primary regulatory authority responsible for the securities and financial markets in India, including the oversight of credit rating companies.

How is credit rating expressed/denoted?

Credit ratings use a combination of letters and symbols to indicate creditworthiness, such as Highest: "AAA", High: "AA," "A" Upper-Medium: "BBB", Lower-Medium: "BB," "B", Lowest Investment-Grade: "C," "D", Speculative or Junk: "D". These symbols offer a standardised way to assess credit risk for entities, assisting investors and lenders.

How can borrowers benefit from a good credit rating?

Borrowers with a good credit rating enjoy numerous advantages. They gain easier access to loans and credit cards, often at lower interest rates, which can significantly reduce borrowing costs. Good credit enhances their negotiating power, allowing for more favourable loan terms, higher credit limits, and quicker loan approvals.

What is the difference between credit rating and credit score?

Credit ratings and credit scores differ in their focus and application. A credit rating assesses the creditworthiness of entities like governments or corporations, and it's used primarily by investors and lenders. A credit score evaluates an individual's creditworthiness and is employed by lenders, landlords, and sometimes employers to make decisions.

What is the difference between CRISIL ‘AAA' and ‘AA'?

CRISIL 'AAA' and 'AA' credit ratings represent different levels of credit risk. 'AAA' signifies the highest rating, indicating exceptionally low credit risk. 'AA' is slightly lower on the rating scale, reflecting a lower but still relatively low credit risk, with a strong capacity to meet obligations.

Which five credit rating categories are there?

Credit rating agencies utilize five key credit rating categories.

  • Highest Credit Quality: indicated by "AAA" or "Aaa.
  • High Credit Quality: "AA" or "Aa".
  • Upper-Medium Credit Quality: Ratings like "BBB" or "Baa".
  • Lower-Medium Credit Quality: Entities with "BB" or "Ba".
  • Speculative or Junk Grade: Ratings such as "CCC" or "C".

How are credit scores determined?

Credit scores in India are calculated using various algorithms by four major credit bureaus: CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. These bureaus employ different scoring models, leading to potential variations in your credit score when assessed by different bureaus.

What are short-term credit ratings?

Short-term credit ratings are assessments of an entity's creditworthiness with a specific focus on its short-term financial obligations and ability to meet them. These ratings are typically assigned to entities such as corporations or financial instruments with short-term maturities, usually within a year.

How is a Credit rating denoted?

Credit ratings are typically denoted using a combination of letters and symbols, although the exact format may vary slightly depending on the credit rating agency. These symbols provide a standardized way to convey the creditworthiness and credit risk associated with entities, whether they are governments, corporations, or individuals.

Is SEBI A Credit Rating Agency?

No, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is not a credit rating agency. SEBI is the regulatory body for the securities market in India. SEBI's role is to ensure the fair and transparent functioning of the credit rating agencies in India.

Can I use the terms ‘credit score’ and ‘credit rating’ interchangeably?

No, a 'credit score' is a numerical portrayal of an individual's creditworthiness, vital for decisions on loans, rentals, and employment. In contrast, a 'credit rating' evaluates entities like corporations, governments, or financial instruments. Assigned by credit rating agencies, it assists investors and lenders in assessing credit risk.

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