News Summary: SEC settles with credit-rating firm

SEC SETTLES: The Securities and Exchange Commission barred Egan-Jones Ratings Co. from rating governments and issuers of asset-backed bonds as a recognized rating agency for 18 months. The order came as part of a settlement with Egan Jones.

THE CHARGES: The SEC alleged that the company made false statements when applying to become a "nationally recognized" rating agency in 2008. It also said Egan-Jones repeatedly violated conflict-of-interest rules.

AND YET: The firm will likely keep offering ratings on governments and asset-backed issuers, said Bill Hassiepen, co-head of Egan-Jones' ratings desk. They just won't carry the SEC's stamp of approval.