chief ratings officer

Job Title: Chief Ratings Officer (CRO)

Location: Gurugram, Delhi-NCR

Department: Credit Rating Department

Reporting To: Ratings Committee / Board

Employment Type: Full-time

Preferred Availability: Immediate Start

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Ratings Officer (CRO) to oversee the entire ratings function of the agency across all business verticals—corporates, infrastructure, financial institutions, structured finance, and others. The CRO will ensure analytical excellence, uphold regulatory compliance, and maintain the independence, credibility, and integrity of the rating process. The role involves strategic leadership, sectoral thought leadership, and active engagement with key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in credit, operational, compliance, model, and reputational risk, with a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape governing credit rating agencies in India.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a Key Management Personnel with responsibilities under SEBI CRA Regulations / Master Circular as amended from time to time.
• Ensure compliance with all KMP obligations including disclosure requirements, conflict of interest policies, and ethical standards.
• Provide strategic direction for the ratings function and ensure alignment with the company's vision and regulatory framework.
• Serve as primary liaison with SEBI, RBI, and other regulatory bodies on ratings-related matters.
• Lead, manage, and mentor sector heads, lead analysts, and analytical teams.
• Drive innovation in rating methodologies, sectoral research, and risk assessment frameworks.
• Stay abreast of evolving regulatory landscape and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.

Ratings Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end credit rating processes across all sectors.
• Ensure independence, consistency, and quality of credit opinions and rating rationales.
• Provide final analytical guidance on complex or high-profile rating assignments.
• Chair or participate in rating committees to ensure robust decision-making.
• Establish and maintain rating methodologies that reflect current market conditions and regulatory requirements.
• Implement robust quality control mechanisms for all rating decisions.
• Ensure appropriate surveillance and review processes in place for all outstanding ratings.

Governance & Compliance

• Supervise the validation and governance of rating models and methodologies to ensure analytical integrity.
• Ensure adherence to SEBI & RBI regulations, rating methodologies, internal policies, and rating best practices.
• Act as custodian of analytical integrity, objectivity, and transparency.
• Oversee implementation of rating policies, procedures, and periodic reviews.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and audit trails for all rating decisions

Stakeholder Management & Representation

• Engage proactively with regulators (SEBI, RBI), investors, issuers, and industry bodies.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and policy discussions.
• Provide thought leadership through research publications, market commentaries, and industry forums.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Educational Qualification: Chartered Accountant / Master's degree or higher in Finance, Risk Management, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA, etc.) strongly preferred.
    • Professional Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in credit risk assessment, credit ratings or related field with at least 5 years in a leadership / executive role — preferably in a Credit Rating Agency, Financial Institution, or any Regulatory Body (SEBI / RBI)
      • Deep knowledge of credit markets, rating methodologies, and regulatory standards applicable to credit rating agencies (e.g., IOSCO, SEBI CRA Regulations, RBI Guidelines for CRAs).
      • Familiarity with international rating standards and best practices.
      • Demonstrated ability to engage with senior stakeholders, boards, and regulators with confidence and credibility.
      • Have strong ethical compass and ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity.
      • Maintain high standards of integrity, independence, and ethical judgment.
      • Has strategic leadership qualities with strong team building & excellent communication skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality, consistency, and credibility of rating opinions.
• Regulatory and policy compliance.
• Market perception and credibility of the agency's ratings.
• Team capability development and retention.
• Contribution to sectoral thought leadership and industry positioning.

Why Join Us?

• Unique opportunity to lead the core ratings function of a newly SEBI-registered Credit Rating Agency.
• Contribute in shaping the company's culture, methodologies, and market positioning.
• High visibility role engaging with regulators, market participants, and industry leaders.
• Influence on capital markets through credible, independent rating opinions.
• Platform for thought leadership and long-term professional growth.