FINANCE

Top China Credit Rater Pulls ‘Suspension’ Rules Amid Loophole Flap

Published: Jul. 2, 2026 1:26 p.m. GMT+8

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China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd. Photo: VCG

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd. (CCXI) abruptly yanked a newly published policy on credit rating suspensions from its website, just days after its Monday release sparked market speculation that the rules were a loophole to dodge regulatory scrutiny.

The swift reversal highlights the intense sensitivity surrounding rating practices in China as regulators crack down on the misuse of rating terminations.

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CCXI removed a policy on credit rating suspensions days after its release, amid market speculation it was a loophole to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
Regulators now require rating agencies to report issuer-initiated terminations within three working days, as bond issuers frequently terminate ratings to avoid downgrades.
Under the short-lived guidelines, CCXI could suspend ratings for up to three months if financial information was unavailable, but such suspensions are rarely used.

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China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd.: China Chengxin International (CCXI) is a Chinese credit rating agency. It abruptly withdrew a new policy on rating suspensions days after its release, which had sparked concerns over dodging regulatory scrutiny. The policy allowed suspensions up to three months if financial data was unavailable, making existing ratings invalid.

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