Welcome.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Fitch Ratings.
The role of a rating agency is to gather and analyze a variety of financial, industry, market and economic information, synthesize that information, and publish independent, credible assessments of the creditworthiness of securities and issuers, thereby providing investors with an important input into their decision making process.
Simply put, ratings are a credit opinion. Fostering and maintaining confidence in Fitch’s opinions, and in Fitch itself as a rating agency, is critical if we are to be successful.
To accomplish that goal we have committed ourselves to providing the world's securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. The foundation of that commitment is rooted in several core principles — objectivity, independence, integrity and transparency. The credit and financial crises have put increased emphasis on the value of transparency; one of Fitch’s founding principles and an area in which Fitch intends to maintain its position as the industry leader.
Fitch works closely with investors, regulators, policy makers and other market participants to contribute to the efficient operation of the global capital markets. Fitch’s global reach and widespread coverage of the fixed income universe makes its opinions a particularly important component of the financial system.
Ratings themselves, though, are only one component of the information that Fitch Ratings provides to market participants. Fitch’s detailed research, commentary, criteria and analytics are highly valued by investors, issuers and intermediaries. In addition, the accessibility of Fitch’s analysts is unmatched.
I am pleased that you are taking this opportunity to learn more about Fitch Ratings and why the fixed-income markets value Fitch’s opinions.
Sincerely,
Stephen Joynt
Chief Executive Officer
Fitch Ratings
