Types and importance of ratings in the activities of commercial banks
Subject The article considers the content and types of banking activities ratings and methodological approaches to their calculation and implementation. Objectives The study aims to make a classification of the ratings, its justification from the perspectives of modern practice of ratings in the activities of commercial banks; perform a comparative analysis of credit and non-credit ratings; identify types and specifics of non-credit ratings; develop a new methodology for non-credit ratings. Methods To substantiate the theory and practical recommendations, we applied abstract-logical, subject-object, analytical, and comparative methods of scientific research. Results We systematized and described ratings of banking activities, proved the leading role of credit ratings assigned to commercial banks and their counter-parties by rating agencies. We note that under the financial crisis, the importance of credit agencies is constantly increasing due to increased credit risks, reduced financial sustainability of economic entities and the reliability of financial instruments they use. The paper describes types of non-regulated non-credit ratings; reveals weaknesses in the methodological approach to rating calculation; proposes a method to calculate the rating of commercial banks by terms and conditions of their deposit agreement. Conclusions We conclude that independent non-credit ratings, as well as ratings assigned to commercial banks on behalf of entities, whose rating activity is not subject to regulation and supervision by the authorities of the banking system, are widespread but insufficiently studied.