Our Approach
Scope’s sovereign and public sector methodologies are based on quantitative and qualitative scorecards, allowing us to strike an appropriate balance between analytical consistency and acknowledgement of issuer-specific characteristics. We make clear when we use our own judgement in the assessment of credit risk. Our coverage includes four asset classes – sovereigns, sub-sovereigns, government-related entities and supranational institutions – allowing us to analyse the interactions between these and implications for sovereign and public sector credit quality.
Our sovereign quantitative model embeds five-year forecasting, making the rating framework significantly forward looking. Our analytical emphasis rests on structural rather than cyclical dynamics. We also attach more weighting to flow than stock variables. We transparently assess the benefit of reserve currencies and the credit-relevant challenges associated with heightened political risks.
First major agency to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors as a stand-alone sovereign rating methodological pillar, emphasising longer-run ESG risk with significant 25% weight in the quantitative model.
Transparent communication to markets on sovereign quantitative-model ratings as well as precise analyst adjustments in rating actions – no “black box”.
Assigned credit ratings on 40+ sovereigns, 30+ sub-sovereigns, 50+ government-related entities and six core European supranational institutions.