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Intensified competition and the impact on credit ratings in the RMBS market

Author

Listed:
  • van Breemen, Vivian M.
  • Fabozzi, Frank J.
  • Vink, Dennis

Abstract

In this paper, we empirically investigate the impact of intensified competition on rating quality in the credit rating market for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) in the period 2017-2020. We provide evidence that competition between large credit rating agencies (CRAs) (Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s) and newer smaller ones (Dominion Bond Rating Service Morningstar and Kroll Bond Rating Agency) creates credit rating inconsistencies in the RMBS market. While a credit rating should solely represent the underlying credit risk of a RMBS, irrespective of the competition in the market, our results show that this is not the case. When competitive pressure increases, both large and small CRAs tend to adjust their rating standards (smaller CRAs react to large CRAs and vice versa). JEL Classification: G15, G21, G24, G28

Suggested Citation

  • van Breemen, Vivian M. & Fabozzi, Frank J. & Vink, Dennis, 2022. "Intensified competition and the impact on credit ratings in the RMBS market," Working Paper Series 2691, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20222691
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    9. repec:fth:pennfi:67 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Marshall E. Blume & Felix Lim & A. Craig MacKinlay, "undated". "The Declining Credit Quality of US Corporate Debt: Myth or Reality?," Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research Working Papers 3-98, Wharton School Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    competitive pressure; credit rating agencies; rating quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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