Add to ORKGThis article explores the role played by the Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in the recent financial crises, providing information and data related to their main activities and procedures. The articles also presents information on the methodologies used to develop credit ratings and highlights some key criticisms related to such activities. Starting from these considerations, the article subsequently discusses several limitations and critical situations related to the organizational and operative structures adopted by the CRAs, particularly focusing on the following topics: integrity, conflict of interest, disclosure, quality and transparency. Some feasible solutions are discussed in the last paragraph of the article, alongside some final rem...