Fitch Ratings is a globally recognized credit rating agency that specializes in providing independent and unbiased credit opinions, research, and analytics. Founded in 1913, Fitch Ratings is one of the "Big Three" credit rating agencies, alongside Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Service.
The primary function of Fitch Ratings is to assess the creditworthiness and financial strength of various entities, including governments, corporations, financial institutions, and structured finance products. They assign credit ratings which reflect the agency's opinion on the ability of the rated entity or product to meet its financial obligations.
Fitch Ratings evaluates the credit risk associated with debt securities, such as bonds, loans, and other forms of debt instruments, and provides letter grades as ratings. These ratings range from "AAA" (highest credit quality) to "D" (default). The agency also assigns ratings to issuers, sovereign nations, and other entities, utilizing various criteria such as financial performance, industry trends, and economic indicators.
Additionally, Fitch Ratings offers research, market insights, and credit risk solutions to assist investors, issuers, and regulators in making informed decisions related to credit risk management. They provide ongoing surveillance and updates to their ratings, considering changes in financial performance, market conditions, and other relevant factors.
Overall, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in the global financial markets by providing independent credit assessments and promoting transparency and trust in the credit markets.
