Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) operates under a defined set of terms and conditions governing the use of its website and the information it provides, including credit ratings and related research. These terms, current as of , establish a legal framework for users accessing KBRA’s services and content.
Ownership and Usage Rights
KBRA retains ownership of all information presented on its website, protected by copyright, trade secret, and trademark laws. Users are granted a personal, revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable license to utilize the website, contingent upon adherence to the stipulated terms of use. Crucially, the reproduction, repackaging, transmission, dissemination, redistribution, resale, or storage of KBRA’s information – in whole or in part – is prohibited without prior written consent. This restriction applies to all forms and manners of reproduction, and by any means whatsoever. The copyright for website content is held by KBRA and its licensors, dating back to .
Data Privacy and Collection
KBRA’s data privacy practices are outlined in its Privacy Notice, which details how the company and its affiliates collect, use, process, and disclose personal data. This encompasses data collected from clients utilizing KBRA’s services – including credit ratings, research, and press releases – through its website or other channels. Data is also collected from event attendees and vendors. The Privacy Notice specifies that residents of California have specific rights regarding their personal information, as detailed in the “California Notice at Collection and Privacy Rights” section. A separate privacy notice is also available for residents of Japan.
Compliance and Ethical Conduct
KBRA emphasizes a strong commitment to compliance, as evidenced by the establishment of a dedicated compliance function. This function is responsible for monitoring and reviewing adherence to KBRA’s code of conduct and all applicable laws and regulations. The company provides a mechanism for reporting concerns, accessible through an ethics point portal, demonstrating a commitment to ethical business practices.
Regulatory Framework and Certifications
As a Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization (NRSRO), KBRA operates within a stringent regulatory environment. The company maintains certifications and recognitions relevant to its role in the financial markets. Information regarding these regulatory aspects is publicly available on KBRA’s website.
Website Terms and Access
The Terms of Use apply to all users accessing KBRA’s websites, and by using the website, users acknowledge their understanding and agreement to these terms. If a user is accessing the website on behalf of an entity, they represent that they are authorized to bind that entity. KBRA reserves the right to modify the website’s content, operation, and access without prior notice, aiming to improve service delivery. Changes to the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement will be posted on the website, encouraging users to review them before each use.
Limitations on Website Use
The license granted to users for website access is non-exclusive and revocable. KBRA reserves the right to terminate this license at any time. Certain areas of the website, designated as “Secured Sites,” may have additional terms and conditions, such as licensing restrictions for software downloads. These specific terms are accessible through separate links on the respective site’s homepage.
Relationship to Other Agreements
The website’s Terms of Use are distinct from any other agreements a user may have with KBRA for specific products or services. Those separate agreements will continue to govern the respective legal relationships. However, the website terms establish the rules for accessing and utilizing the information available on KBRA’s online platforms.
Affiliation Disclosure
KBRA explicitly states that it is not affiliated with Kroll Inc., Kroll Associates Inc., or KrollOnTrack Inc., or their affiliated businesses. This clarification is intended to avoid any confusion regarding the company’s organizational structure and relationships.
Reporting Concerns
KBRA provides a dedicated channel for reporting concerns, allowing individuals to raise issues related to ethical conduct or compliance. This reporting mechanism is facilitated through a secure ethics point portal, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
