Hong Kong, 16 March 2026 – ARC Ratings, an independent global credit rating agency, is pleased to announce that its Asia Pacific subsidiary, ARC Ratings (Asia Pacific) Limited, has been granted a Type 10 license (Providing Credit Rating Services) by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) of Hong Kong, effective 11 March 2026.
This regulatory milestone represents a pivotal advancement in ARC Ratings’ global and Asia Pacific expansion strategy. By securing the SFC Type 10 license, ARC is now formally authorised to prepare and disseminate credit ratings to the public and serve Asia Pacific customers out of Hong Kong. This approval represents an important step in ARC Ratings’ Asia Pacific expansion strategy, enabling the firm to formally provide credit ratings from Hong Kong to issuers and investors across the region.
Headquartered in London with its main European Union office in Lisbon, ARC Ratings has over 37 years of experience providing independent credit ratings. ARC is already recognised as an External Credit Assessment Institution (“ECAI”) and is registered with both the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). The addition of the SFC license extends ARC’s regulatory footprint, enabling ARC to offer its robust, forward-looking credit analysis—grounded in European technical excellence—to Asian issuers and global investors.
Oliver Howard, Group Chief Executive Officer of ARC Risk Group and ARC Ratings, commented on the achievement:
“Securing the SFC Type 10 license is a landmark moment for ARC Ratings. It underscores our commitment to providing an independent, high-quality alternative in the global credit rating landscape. Our strong European heritage, combined with our technologically advanced and responsive analytical approach, positions us perfectly to serve the evolving needs of the Asian capital markets. We look forward to facilitating greater cross-border investment flows between Europe and Asia through our transparent and rigorous rating methodologies.”
Dr. Stan Ho, Chairman of ARC Ratings (Asia Pacific) and Advisory Board Member of ARC Risk Group, stated:
“The SFC’s approval is a testament to the robust governance, rigorous analytical frameworks, and exceptional professional standards that define ARC Ratings. Having guided the strategic direction for our Asia Pacific operations, I am immensely proud of this achievement. This license not only validates our operational excellence but also empowers us to bring a fresh, independent perspective to the Asian credit markets, fostering enhanced market confidence and transparency.”
Joyce Chi, Chief Executive Officer of ARC Ratings (Asia Pacific), added:
“We are thrilled to officially commence our regulated credit rating services in Hong Kong. The Asia Pacific region presents tremendous opportunities, and there is a growing appetite among issuers and investors for a rating agency that combines deep local market insight with a global, European-calibre analytical framework. With the SFC license now in place, we are fully equipped to deliver our bespoke, market-responsive rating solutions across Greater China, ASEAN, and the broader APAC region.”
As an independent voice in the market, ARC Ratings continues to champion competition and innovation within the credit rating industry. The firm’s expansion into Hong Kong reflects its dedication to serving a diverse global clientele, offering tailored methodologies across structured finance, corporate, and financial institution sectors.
For further information about ARC Ratings and its services, please visit www.arcratings.com.
About ARC Ratings
ARC Ratings is an independent, global credit rating agency with a 37-year history. Registered with ESMA, UK FCA and HKSFC, and holding ECAI status, ARC provides public and private ratings across structured finance, corporates, and financial institutions. With a strong European heritage, the firm operates from offices in London, Lisbon, and Hong Kong, combining global methodologies with local expertise to deliver unbiased, technology-driven credit analysis.
Media Contacts
Tom Lemmon
Director of Research, ARC Risk Group
Email: tom.lemmon@arcriskgroup.com
ARC Ratings (Asia Pacific) Limited
18/F, China Building, 29 Queen’s Road Central,
Central, Hong Kong
