How does a credit rating agency work?

The Financial Services Club Ireland starts their new season on Thursday 2nd September 2010 and Scotland meets on 23rd September with the same theme: How does a credit rating agency work? with Roberto Rivero, Head of Market Development Rating Services for Standard & Poor's.

With the recent downgrading of Greece by Standard & Poor's, the European markets imploded, Germany was subjected to a humiliating stand-down with France, the euro lost most of its value, and there were real concerns that the Eurozone may come to an end.

These fears proved to be over-stated, but it did show the real power that credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's have over the markets.

So what are credit rating agencies really all about and how do they work?

What is the role and meaning of a rating? What have ratings firms learnt from recent market events?

What are the independent and regulatory measures being used to restore market confidence in ratings?

Roberto Rivero is responsible for Marketing and Investor Relations for Standard & Poor's Rating Services in the EMEA region. His 25-year career has included senior positions in Sales, Marketing and Product Development. More recent roles include Head of Sales & Marketing at the London Stock Exchange, Product Marketing Director at Fidessa and Head of Product Management & Marketing at Thomson Financial.

If you would like to attend, please register for the Irish meeting on 2nd September by clicking here, or the Scotland meeting on 23rd September by clicking here.