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Credit ratings: strategic issuer disclosure and optimal screening

Author

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  • Jonathan B Cohn
  • Uday Rajan
  • Günter Strobl

Abstract

We consider a model in which a security issuer can manipulate information observed by a credit rating agency (CRA). We show that stricter screening by the CRA can sometimes lead to increased manipulation by the issuer. Accounting for the issuer’s behavior pulls optimal CRA screening toward the extremes of laxness or stringency. Surprisingly, an improvement in prior asset quality can result in more rating errors. In a two-period version of the model, stricter screening can result in more short-run rating errors. Our results suggest complex interplay between issuer and CRA behavior, complicating the evaluation of CRA policy effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan B Cohn & Uday Rajan & Günter Strobl, 2025. "Credit ratings: strategic issuer disclosure and optimal screening," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 29(1), pages 169-199.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revfin:v:29:y:2025:i:1:p:169-199.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/rof/rfae035
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    credit rating; screening; strategic disclosure; certification;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage

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