Uncovering Credit Rating Agencies. A Critical Legal Analysis for Reform

Essay from the year 2024 in the subject Law - Civil / Private, Trade, Anti Trust Law, Business Law, , language: English, abstract: Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) remain pivotal gatekeepers in the financial system, yet their methodologies, conflicts of interest, and data security vulnerabilities have repeatedly sparked legal and regulatory challenges. This article, encompassing ten case studies including the global financial crisis, delves into these complexities. Beyond dissecting these legal battles, it examines the impact of evolving technologies like AI, blockchain, and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) on the CRA landscape. Exploring the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the analysis navigates the intricate dance between innovation, legal compliance, and ethical considerations. It proposes a multi-pronged approach: fostering responsible practices, promoting competition, embracing risk-based regulation, and prioritizing data transparency and standardization. This multifaceted strategy aims to build a robust and resilient CRA ecosystem that upholds legal frameworks, safeguards consumer privacy, and fosters an inclusive financial future.