On December 22, 2015, IOSCO published its final report on sound practices at large intermediaries relating to the assessment of creditworthiness and the use of external credit ratings. The report analyses responses to the survey conducted by IOSCO and proposes sound practices for regulators of large intermediary firms to consider in supervising such firms. Large intermediary firms may also find the proposed practices useful when they consider implementing their internal credit assessment policies and procedures. The report is intended to enhance the implementation of the Principles for Reducing Reliance on CRA Ratings issued by the Financial Stability Board. The proposed sound practices for regulators include requiring large intermediaries to: (i) establish an independent credit assessment function; (ii) involve senior management in implementing the credit assessment process; (iii) ensure the relevant committees have sufficient information on the credit risks posed to their firms; (iv) establish an appropriate oversight structure to ensure the credit assessment process is properly implemented; (v) avoid exposure to particular credit risks whenever the firm does not have the internal capability to independently and adequately assess the exposure; (vi) incorporate a wide variety of qualitative measures into robust credit assessment processes; and (vii) avoid mechanistically relying on external credit rating agency ratings.
The report is available at: http://www.iosco.org/library/pubdocs/pdf/IOSCOPD524.pdf.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
