Morningstar DBRS brings credit ratings prowess to APAC

Global credit ratings agency, Morningstar DBRS, has officially set up shop in the Asia-Pacific region with a new office established in Sydney, after the firm was granted an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) earlier this month.

The expansion will build on the Canada-founded company’s ratings of and relationships with APAC issuers developed over the last 25 years and is intended to bring its suite of credit ratings services right to investors’ and clients’ front door.

To support its new base in Australia, Morningstar also announced the appointments of former Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) senior, Kevin Stephenson, as Managing Director of APAC Credit Ratings; former Moody’s Ratings Country Head for Australia and New Zealand, Natalie Wells, as Managing Director of APAC Business Development; and global compliance specialist, Sean Cook, as APAC Chief Compliance Officer, with plans to boost its analysis and client service teams over the coming months. Morningstar DBRS’ new APAC regional team will also have the backing of the firm’s 900-strong global network.

“Our entry into Australia reflects our commitment to empowering investors with deeper, forward-looking credit insights and we are proud to expand the Morningstar DBRS voice in the region,” Stephenson said.

“Issuers and investors alike are seeking greater choice, diversity of opinion, and innovation in credit ratings.”

“Our customers globally appreciate our commitment to outstanding service and nimble approach, particularly in responding to innovative assets and structures,” Wells said.

“We have the capability to rate over 160 asset classes with our extensive suite of internationally recognised methodologies.”

The firm boasts a full suite of research-driven credit ratings services across collateral analysis, credit-related climate and governance considerations, structured finance expertise and real-time analytics to provide investors with a more “holistic” view, and incorporates insights on non-traditional asset classes like private credit, esoteric structured finance and digital infrastructure.

Morningstar DBRS’ AFSL currently limits its credit ratings delivery capabilities for consideration by Australian wholesale clients only.