Top 7 Credit Rating Agencies in India

Credit rating agencies help investors understand the risk associated with investing in different financial avenues like bonds, fixed deposits, etc. The agencies also award ratings to businesses. A company with a strong credit rating may get access to better loan terms and enjoy increased investor confidence. Thus, credit rating agencies help effectively bridge the information gap between those who need capital and those who provide it.

 

In India, 7 prominent credit rating agencies are recognised by organisations like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for their reliability and expertise. Let’s dive deeper to understand the workings of agencies that provide credit ratings in India and their importance.

Here is a list of some popular credit rating agencies in India:

Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd. (CRISIL)

CRISIL is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency and a subsidiary of S&P Global. Established in 1987, it was the first credit rating agency in India. Based in Powai, Mumbai, CRISIL has been a pioneer in providing credit risk analysis and policy advisory services across diverse sectors. Its expertise lies in evaluating financial instruments such as bonds, loans, and fixed deposits. CRISIL's research insights and risk advisory services are highly valued in India's financial ecosystem. Use the details provided below to reach out to CRISIL in case of any queries or doubts:

Registered Address: Central Avenue, Hiranandani Business Park, Powai, Mumbai - 400 076

Phone Number: +91 22 3342 3000

Fax Number: +91 22 3342 3001

Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Ltd. (ICRA)

ICRA Limited is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency and a part of the ICRA Group of Companies. Operating since 1991, it has gained prominence for its forward-looking credit assessments and independent opinions. Headquartered in Gurugram, ICRA specialises in analysing and providing ratings for bonds, loans, and other financial instruments. Its evaluations play a key role in shaping investment decisions and promoting transparency in the financial markets. In case of any grievance or issues, get in touch with ICRA through the following points of contact:

 

Registered Address: B-710, Statesman House 148, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi -110 001

Phone Number: +91 11 2335 7940

CARE Ratings

CARE Ratings Ltd., now branded as CareEdge Ratings, is one of India’s most prominent credit rating agencies, established in 1993. With decades of expertise, it has become a key player in evaluating credit risk and supporting the financial ecosystem. The agency provides ratings across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, infrastructure, banking, and non-financial services. It has contributed to the growth of India’s financial markets by rating critical instruments. These often include corporate bonds, debentures, commercial papers, and structured credit. For more information, visit CareEdge’s official website or reach out to the agency with the help of the following details:

 

Head Office Address: 4th Floor, Godrej Coliseum, Somaiya Hospital Road, Off Eastern Express Highway, Sion (East), Mumbai - 400 022

Phone Number: +91 22 6754 3404 / +91 22 6754 3456

Acuite Ratings & Research Ltd. 

Acuite Ratings & Research is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency in India. Since receiving RBI accreditation in 2012, it functions as an External Credit Assessment Institution (ECAI) for Bank Loan Ratings, adhering to BASEL-II standards. Here, ECAI refers to an organisation authorised to evaluate the creditworthiness of entities and financial instruments. Meanwhile, the BASEL-II is a framework, introduced by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).  It is an international standard designed to ensure that banks maintain sufficient capital to cover their risks. 

 

Based in Kanjurmarg, Mumbai, Acuite has established a significant presence in India's financial sector. Its rating services span across diverse industries and cover various financial instruments, including securities, debt instruments, and bank facilities. To know more about the offerings and services provided by Acuite, reach out to the agency by using the following contact details:

 

Registered Address: 708, Lodha Supremus, Lodha iThink Techno Campus, Kanjurmarg (East), Mumbai - 400 042

Phone Number:  +91 99 6989 8000

E-mail ID: info@acuite.in

Brickwork Ratings India Private Ltd.

Brickwork Ratings is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency founded in 2008 and headquartered in Bengaluru. Known for its adherence to best practices, it evaluates financial products like NCDs, bank loans, and commercial papers. The agency also provides market trend analyses and industry insights, catering to a wide array of stakeholders in India's financial sector. Use the following contact details to reach out to Brickwork Ratings in case of any queries or issues: 

 

Corporate Address: 3rd Floor, Raj Alkaa Park, 29/3 & 32/2 Kalena Agrahara, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru - 560 076

Phone Number: +91 80 4040 9940 / +91 80 4040 9999 / +91 96 1180 5999

India Ratings and Research Pvt. Ltd.

India Ratings and Research, a subsidiary of Fitch Group, is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency, founded in 1995. Headquartered in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, it specialises in credit risk evaluations for structured finance products, bonds, and public entities. Its research-backed assessments support investment decisions, ensuring reliability and transparency in financial markets. 

 

Corporate Address: Wockhardt Towers, 4th Floor, West Wing, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400 051

Phone Number: +91 22 4000 1700

Fax Number: +91 22 4000 1701

E-mail ID: infogrp@indiaratings.co.in

INFOMERICS Valuation and Rating Private Ltd.

INFOMERICS Valuation and Rating Private Ltd. is a SEBI-registered credit rating agency headquartered in New Delhi. The agency provides ratings for non-convertible debentures (NCD), bonds, and mutual funds, with a focus on SMEs and corporate governance. Find out more about this credit rating agency by getting in touch with them through the points of contact provided below:

 

Registered Address: Flat No. 104/108, First Floor Golf Apartments, Sujan Singh Park, Maharishi Ramanna Marg, New Delhi – 110 003

Phone Number: +91 11 4174 3541/ +91 11 4141 0244 / +91 11 2461 1910/ +91 11 2465 4796

WhatsApp Number: +91 89 2980 2962

E-mail ID: vma@infomerics.com / hrd@infomerics.com / info@infomerics.com

Credit rating agencies help people and businesses understand the risk associated with a company, government, or financial product. Think of them as expert evaluators who check if someone borrowing money is likely to repay it on time. They look at things like income, past repayment habits, and how much debt they already have to assess the risk level.

 

Based on this, they assign a score or rating (e.g., AAA is excellent, AA is Very Good, and so on). These ratings show how safe it is to lend to or invest in a specific financial institution or instrument. This is important because it helps lenders, like banks, decide who to give loans to and on what terms. Furthermore, it helps investors make informed choices about where to put their money. These agencies ensure that financial risks are identified and communicated to the public, making finance more transparent and secure.

Here are some ways in which the credit rating agencies in India play a major role:

Evaluates Creditworthiness

Provides reliable ratings that help assess the repayment ability of companies, governments, and financial instruments

Supports Investors and Lenders

Assists in making informed decisions by offering a clear understanding of financial risks and returns

Promotes Transparency

Reduces information gaps by sharing unbiased and independent evaluations of credit risks

Encourages Financial Discipline

Motivates companies to maintain sound financial practices to achieve better ratings and attract investments

Provides Risk Alerts

Offers early warnings through rating downgrades, allowing stakeholders to take corrective actions