DID FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF KOREAN CREDIT RATING AGENCIES IMPROVE THEIR RATINGS?

Abstract

In this study, we investigate whether foreign equity participation fostered the growth of Korea's credit rating industry during the 2002-2013 period. We find that the rating quality deteriorated steadily even though the foreign ownership of Korea's credit rating agencies increased: Rating levels went up. Our analysis indicates that the Korean government's policy of gradually relaxing the restrictions on foreign ownership of local credit rating agencies was ineffectual.