On May 7, 2015, the International Organization of Securities Commissions published a consultation on sound practices at large intermediaries, discussing alternatives to the use of credit ratings in assessing creditworthiness. The report lists thirteen draft practices to be considered by large market intermediaries when developing internal credit assessment policies. These aim to encourage the implementation of efficient alternative methods to assess creditworthiness and reduce the overreliance on credit rating agencies. These draft practices are to be considered also by regulators when overseeing market intermediaries. The draft sound practices include: (i) establishing independent credit assessment functions separate from other business units; (ii) incorporating diverse qualitative and quantitative measures into robust assessment processes; and (iii) improving credit risk assessment practices to ensure that firms remain well informed on the latest developments that might have an adverse effect on the firm. A final report will be prepared after responses to the consultation have been considered. Responses to the consultation are due by July 8, 2015.
The consultation is available at: https://www.iosco.org/library/pubdocs/pdf/IOSCOPD486.pdf.
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