Ratings Focus

Ratings Focus is a niche consultancy specialising in credit risk models, which are used by lenders to measure risk and allocate capital. The models are sometimes referred to as Internal Ratings Based (IRB) models in the Basel accord, and are highly regulated by relevant authorities. Whilst our clients typically have in-house development teams, the varied and specialist nature of ratings models (particularly in the “non-retail” or “wholesale” portfolios) means the supply of relevant in-house skills and experience on particular specialist models is quickly exhausted. Ratings Focus is able to strengthen the process by providing effective oversight in the development phase, or to independently review and challenge models as part of a strong model governance process. However our services expand beyond the sphere of model development and validation, from strategic planning of rating system delivery projects to strengthening of model skills sets through various types of training.