Civil Liability of Rating Agencies: An Insipid Sprout from Brussels

27 Pages Posted: 16 Jul 2014

Date Written: June 20, 2014

Abstract

Recently, a private cause of action against rating agencies has been introduced into EU law. This paper analyses the need and justification for such liability. Features of the new cause of action are compared to those existing in other major economies; in particular, those of the U.S. and Australia. The paper criticizes the fact that the EU leaves open to Member States to define the essential terms of rating agency liability and, thereby, fails to secure a uniform regime. The problems of the new rule are compounded further by difficulties in determining the applicable national law that fills in its gaps. Finally, it remains unclear whether the scope of the liability also covers U.S. rating agencies. It is concluded that the new regime is merely a cover-up to mask continuing differences between EU Member States concerning the appropriateness of rating agencies’ civil liability.

Suggested Citation

Lehmann, Matthias, Civil Liability of Rating Agencies: An Insipid Sprout from Brussels (June 20, 2014). LSE Legal Studies Working Paper No. 15/2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2456953 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2456953

Matthias Lehmann (Contact Author)

University of Vienna ( email )

Schottenbastei 10-16
Vienna, A-1010
Austria
+431427735122 (Phone)
1010 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://https://eur-int-comp-law.univie.ac.at/team/lehmann-matthias/

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