For example, the links between a company desirous of going public and its lead merchant bank, underwriters, stock exchange and credit rating agencies--as well as the fees they earn--are well established and easily understood.

FORBES: Magazine Article

And Monday's figures showing a slight year-on-year increase in public sector net borrowing have fuelled fears that the UK could lose its coveted AAA credit rating, thereby potentially increasing the government's cost of borrowing.

BBC: Olivier Blanchard

Eroding public finances, inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis.

FORBES: Greece

The section on public records will include bankruptcies, liens and judgments--items guaranteed to pound your credit rating.

FORBES: Magazine Article

When its credit rating was cut, a lot more margin was suddenly demanded and it had to turn to the public purse.

ECONOMIST: Credit derivatives