萨班斯法案（2002）Sec.702.(1)

　　SEC.702.COMMISSION STUDY AND REPORT REGARDING CREDIT RATING AGENCIES.

　　(a)STUDY REQUIRED.-

　　(1)IN GENERAL.-The Commission shall conduct a study of the role and function of credit rating agencies in the operation of the securities market.

　　(2)AREAS OF CONSIDERATION.-The study required by this subsection shall examine-

　　(A)the role of credit rating agencies in the evaluation of issuers of securities;

　　(B)the importance of that role to investors and the functioning of the securities markets;

　　(C)any impediments to the accurate appraisal by credit rating agencies of the financial resources and risks of issuers of securities;

　　(D)any barriers to entry into the business of acting as a credit rating agency,and any measures needed to remove such barriers;

　　(E)any measures which may be required to improve the dissemination of information concerning such resources and risks when credit rating agencies announce credit ratings;and

　　(F)any conflicts of interest in the operation of credit rating agencies and measures to prevent such conflicts or ameliorate the consequences of such conflicts.