Moody's Ratings, founded in 1909 by John Moody, is a leading global credit rating agency that provides independent, forward-looking opinions on credit risk for debt instruments issued by corporations, governments, and other borrowers. It helps more than 15,000 customers in 165 countries, including 97% of the Fortune 100, make informed borrowing and lending decisions by assessing the likelihood that debt obligations will be met as agreed[1][3]. The company’s credit ratings use a letter-based system to communicate the relative risk of default and potential financial loss. John Moody pioneered the modern bond credit rating system by publishing comprehensive manuals and analyses on stocks, bonds, and industrial securities. Moody's expanded rapidly through the early 20th century to cover the entire U.S. bond market, including state and local government bonds. The company was incorporated as Moody's Investors Service in 1914, establishing it as a trusted source of credit information alongside competitors like Standard & Poor's and Fitch[1][2]. Over its more than 115-year history, Moody's has evolved beyond credit ratings to include Moody's Analytics, which provides data, analytics, and technology solutions addressing complex risks such as supply chain disruptions, cyber threats, and regulatory compliance. This diversification supports businesses and governments navigating an increasingly interconnected and risky global environment[3][4]. Moody's reputation for meticulous research and early risk warnings is exemplified by its timely flagging of credit risks, such as the 2023 warning about Iron Hill Brewery prior to its 2025 bankruptcy[5]. Today, Moody's combines expert analysis with innovative technologies to deliver comprehensive insights that empower clients to act decisively amid uncertainty. Moody's current status as a publicly traded company with robust financial health and global influence reflects its central role in capital markets and risk assessment worldwide[4][6].