Liza Mohd Noor

RAM Rating Services Berhad (RAM Ratings), a leading credit rating agency in Asia, is  exploring opportunities, particularly in the area of Islamic finance, to boost its presence in the Gulf region.

Kuala Lumpur-based RAM Ratuings publishes credit ratings on a range of debt obligations, both Islamic and conventional, including various corporate and governmental obligations, structured finance securities and termed-commercial papers.

The company, which will take part in the two-day Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) roadshow to Bahrain which begins tomorrow (October 14), foresees demand for capital in both Manama and Kuala Lumpur 'rising in step with the rebound in the global economy.'

RAM Ratings' presence in Bahrain is to promote cross-border collaboration between Malaysia and the Kingdom in the areas of funding and investment, said a top official. The roadshow was held in Qatar from October 11 to 12.

“As gateways to the fast growing regions, Manama and Kuala Lumpur can offer linkages between the GCC and Malaysia to provide funding and investment opportunities and enhance market reach,” said Liza Mohd Noor, RAM Ratings chief executive officer.

Since its inception, RAM Ratings has ventured into countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan, providing an array of services from credit ratings, training, technical assistance and transfer of expertise, she noted.

RAM Ratings was incorporated in 1990 as the pioneer credit rating agency in Malaysia, and has been voted as the top domestic rating agency in the Asia Pacific region by Asian Development Bank, and also named the most influential rating agency in the region.

RAM Ratings is a public limited company and is wholly-owned by RAM Holdings Berhad. Its ultimate shareholders comprise major financial institutions in Malaysia, Asian Development Bank and Fitch Ratings, Noor added.-TradeArabia News Service